A newly launched network of Haringey Health Champions is empowering residents from the borough’s diverse communities to prioritise their health, stay active, and address health inequalities.
A grassroots initiative is making waves across Haringey as a new network of trained Health Champions begins supporting residents in leading healthier, more connected lives.
The initiative, launched by Haringey Council in collaboration with local voluntary and community sector organisations, is aimed at addressing long-standing health inequalities in the borough. Each participating organisation has appointed a local Health Champion — a trusted face from within the community — to engage with residents and promote positive lifestyle choices.
Building trust through community voices
The strength of the Health Champions network lies in its diversity. Each Champion represents a distinct section of Haringey’s multicultural population and is trained to offer credible, culturally aware health advice. Whether it’s encouraging cancer screenings, promoting vaccine uptake, or simply providing tips on staying active and eating well, the Champions serve as a vital bridge between the council’s public health services and communities who might otherwise feel left behind.
“We hope that any of our residents who meet one of our Champions feel more empowered and knowledgeable about accessing health services in the borough.”
- Lucia das Neves, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care & Wellbeing
These Champions are not just health messengers. They are trusted peers who understand the specific barriers many residents face when trying to access healthcare — language gaps, cultural stigma, or lack of digital access, to name a few. By working through respected community organisations, the programme ensures its health messages are heard, understood and trusted.
Reaching the under-served
Among the organisations taking part is the Bulgarian Centre, which helps new arrivals from Eastern Europe navigate the NHS and register with GPs — an essential step for maintaining long-term health. The House of Polish and European Community (HoPEC) offers similar support for Polish and wider European residents, guiding them through an unfamiliar healthcare system.
For the Orthodox Jewish community, the Interlink Foundation has joined the network, with a focus on culturally sensitive healthcare communication. Through its Charedi Women’s Health Alliance, Interlink helps break down taboos around subjects like cancer screening and reproductive health.
Turkish and Kurdish residents are being supported through a trio of well-established groups: the North London Community House, Refugee and Workers Cultural Association (RWCA), and Rise Projects. Each of these organisations has extensive experience in supporting social integration and offers services in residents’ own languages — a critical component in building trust.
Also part of the initiative is Sewn Together, a creative collective that addresses loneliness and isolation by bringing residents together through sewing and craft projects. The group uses these shared activities to gently introduce conversations about mental health, wellbeing and community support.
Empowering people to take charge
Councillor Lucia das Neves, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Wellbeing, praised the initiative for its inclusive and empowering approach: “We’re delighted to have these amazing organisations on board to help us reach all of Haringey’s diverse communities with important messages about health,” she said. “We hope that any of our residents who meet one of our Champions feel more empowered and knowledgeable about accessing health services in the borough.”
The Champions have already begun working in the field, from GP surgeries and food banks to schools and community halls. By having a constant, approachable presence in the spaces where residents already gather, they’re able to offer practical help and real-time guidance — far beyond what a poster or website could achieve.
A lasting legacy
This network is about more than just passing on leaflets — it’s about changing lives and narrowing the health gap across Haringey. The council sees it as a long-term investment in community wellbeing. By working in partnership with grassroots organisations, the programme also strengthens local capacity and gives a stronger voice to marginalised groups.
In the face of rising public health challenges, from obesity to mental health issues, Haringey’s Health Champions are showing that real change often begins with a familiar face and a simple conversation.
