STEP 37
37
Promote and increase opportunities for social connectedness to improve residents' health and wellbeing and reduce isolation and loneliness
- Use local knowledge and resource directories to map, effectively communicate (irrespective of language, skills and disability) and deliver community based activities which promote social connections and integration
- Develop an integrated programme of social connectedness with key partners
- Support residents to take social action building on existing and new movements including mutual aid groups and patient participation groups
- Improve levels of digital inclusion
- The Grant Thornton Vibrant Economy Index measures in particular 'community, trust and belonging' index
- Newham Council including community neighbourhoods
- Voluntary, Community and Faith Sectors
- University of East London
- Birkbeck University
Can you help?
We rely on the support from organisations and individuals to help us deliver our goals. We are on the look out for more partners who are able to support this step. Please email [email protected] or [email protected] to find out more.
Now is the time to act. Together we can make Newham a healthier borough.
Newham changemaker
Mala is a projects manager at Skills Enterprise, a charity that supports vulnerable and marginalised people. One of their main services is digital inclusion. Mala feels strongly about the impact a lack of digital skills can have on a person’s life – it can lead to poorer health and lower life expectancy, increased loneliness and social isolation and limited access to jobs and education.
“We want all our residents to have the skills they need for modern life. The 50 Steps will help us to highlight some of the not so obvious issues that can have a huge impact on the health of our residents – digital skills can change a person’s life
and bring them closer to their community.”
– Mala Muthu, Projects Manager, Skills Enterprise
Newham changemaker
Birkbeck is London’s evening course specialists and a leading research and teaching university. Although their main campus is in central London,
they have been working in Newham for over ten years delivering courses and educational outreach work in the borough for learners with non-traditional qualifications and people who face barriers to education such as people seeking asylum and adults who have had a long break since they were last in formal education.
Birkbeck delivers free learning activities in the borough such as the ‘Get Started: Big Ideas’ programme which brings Birkbeck research to community venues such Stratford Library through free one off lectures and workshops, and their Community Leadership course which brings
Newham residents involved in volunteering or community work together to learn, network with one another and share good practice in local
venues or on online platforms which people can join from their computer, laptop or phone.
“We know that learning new skills can improve mental wellbeing, boost self-confidence and raise self-esteem. Learning can also be an important way of building social connections – it provides a space for people to come together and meet people with similar interests to them.”
– Birkbeck, University of London
Contact us
Get in touch to find out how you can support the borough’s drive to be healthier.
We are on the look out for organisations and people in our community who are thinking differently, challenging the norms, trying new things and looking at ways they can help Newham be a healthier borough.
If you think you can help, we’d love to hear from you, email [email protected]