• The new 50 Steps to a Healthier Newham strategy is in place until 2027
• The plans promote collaboration, to make Newham a healthier borough
• Residents are encouraged to join the relaunched Changemakers programme
Newham Council staff, partners and residents have come together to celebrate the launch of the 50 Steps to a Healthier Newham (2024-2027) strategy. The approach, aimed at improving health and reducing inequalities for all Newham residents, was officially launched at an event at the University of East London’s Docklands campus on Monday 29 April.
The strategy is delivered collaboratively by a wide range of partners, including Newham Council, the NHS, education, and voluntary, community and faith organisations. The 50 steps are a call to action to all partners, highlighting how Newham can become a healthier and happier place by working together, sharing knowledge and communicating better.
Jason Strelitz, Corporate Director of Adults, Health & Communities, Newham Council, said: “This new strategy is a huge milestone for Newham Council and all partners involved. It is a continuation of an award-winning approach which recognises the role of all key players within our community, including the council, the NHS, schools, businesses and voluntary organisations. As a partnership, we have made huge amounts of progress and we hope to develop this further, in order to bring about positive change.
“The focus of the refreshed strategy is to continue to build on our successes and ultimately improve health, while also reducing health inequalities in the borough. It considers a range of areas, with the aim of delivering benefits to equity, climate and an inclusive economy, particularly at a time when so many residents are experiencing financial pressures.
“Everyone in Newham should have the opportunity to thrive, and to have healthy, happy, and fulfilled lives. 50 Steps will help us all achieve that.”
The strategy builds on the award-winning 50 Steps to a Healthier Newham (2020-2023) approach and is strongly connected to local climate action, the Newham Health Equity Programme, and work taking place to build an inclusive economy. The refreshed approach continues to provide the direction of travel for health and wellbeing work until 2027, enabling partners to identify opportunities for collaboration and to know what to expect over the next three years.
Newham Council also recognises that community is a major determinant of health and has a vital role in improving health and wellbeing. The strategy is shared between everyone in Newham, including residents. As part of this, individuals who are making a difference to improve the lives of others are being encouraged to become part of the Changemakers programme, which is also relaunching. The aim is to highlight the impact of being proactive within your local community, while also recognising the efforts of individuals. This highlights how residents’ experiences, views and feedback are not only celebrated and showcased, but also incorporated into the wider approach.
Darshana Lathigra, NHS Health and Wellbeing Coach and Nutritionist from Newham, said: “Being a Changemaker is a great honour for me, after two decades of working in various health improvement roles. It inspires me further to fight against health inequalities in order to improve the wellbeing of the diverse community of Newham, where I am proud to live and work.
“I would highly recommend individuals, who make a difference in their community, to come on board as a Changemaker, as it not only celebrates your hard work and dedication but also being under the umbrella of the wider strategy is something to be proud of.
“We are all working together to make connections and share ideas to improve the health and wellbeing of Newham residents.”
Since the launch of the original strategy in 2020, Newham Council has seen substantial progress in its partnerships and plans, aimed at improving residents’ health and wellbeing, as well as outcomes. The local authority has also experienced unprecedented challenges since it was first introduced, largely due to the coronavirus pandemic and cost of living crisis. These factors have had a disproportionate impact on those living in the borough. The refreshed strategy aims to harness the shared commitment and ambition for a healthier borough, and will continue to respond to the specific challenges experienced over the initial three-year period.
For more information about the strategy, visit www.newham.gov.uk/50steps.