Community Champions programme

The Community Champions programme helps residents improve their health and wellbeing.

It has run for over 13 years and delivers strong value for money, generating £5 to £6 for every £1 invested.

What the programme does

Community Champions are local residents who support people in their own neighbourhoods. This makes the service trusted, friendly and easy to access.

In 2024/25, the programme included:

• 123 active Community and Maternity Champions
• up to 8,000 volunteer hours
• 84 activities per quarter
• over 3,200 people reached face-to-face each quarter

Activities for all ages

Champions run activities that reflect local needs.

These include:

• buggy walks for new parents
• gardening, arts and community sessions
• Zumba for older adults
• public health campaigns and peer support

All activities are co-designed with residents to keep them relevant and accessible.

Why the approach works

The programme focuses on being visible, approachable and rooted in the community.

Champions work closely with:

• the NHS
• RBKC council
• voluntary and community organisations

This partnership model helps residents get support earlier and find clear pathways to services.

What residents say

Feedback shows people value:

• peer-led support
• trusted local organisations
• culturally sensitive and language-accessible services

Impact

An evaluation from 2023 to 2025 found:

• 89 per cent of residents felt more satisfied with their health
• 97 per cent felt a stronger sense of belonging
• 83 p cent reported better mental wellbeing

The programme has also helped reduce avoidable GP and A&E visits.