Wellbeing Boost for Thamesmead

Sixteen healthy living experts from Thamesmead are ready to spread the wellbeing word after successfully completing a health improvement course. 

The group are now qualified as volunteer Health Champions and are on a mission to boost health and wellbeing in their communities. 

The Understanding Health Improvement initiative, developed by Trust Thamesmead in partnership with the Royal Borough of Greenwich and St Paul's Church, is part of the Peabody Group’s drive to help boost health and wellbeing in the area.

The course, delivered and accredited by the prestigious Royal Society for Public Health, gives volunteer Health Champions the knowledge to adopt a healthier lifestyle not only for themselves but their family, friends and others, making for a happier and healthier community.

Peabody’s Director of Community Programmes, Veronica Kirwan said: “We are delighted that Thamesmead’s first new volunteer Health Champions have earned their accreditation. Their expertise will benefit the whole community, offering advice, motivation and support for people who want to live a healthier life. We hope this will be just the start and there will be many more health volunteers in the weeks and months to come.”

Sarah Habeeb who is a member of St Paul’s Church congregation who were the first members of the Thamesmead community to undergo the training said: “I want to live a healthy life and reduce the known causes for future illness that can be caused by poor diet.  Since I have finished the course I now make sure I eat my 5 a day and I am educating my family and friends about the importance of what I have learnt.”

Reverend Patrick Eggleston of St Paul’s Thamesmead said: “St Paul’s are delighted to have been able to work with Trust Thamesmead and Royal Borough of Greenwich in hosting this course. It has been pleasing to see so many members of our church taking the opportunity to improve their awareness and understanding of health related issues. The feedback from all those who have taken part in the course has been extremely positive.”

The Peabody Group is working in partnership with an array of organisations across London, helping individuals to make positive changes to their lives, be it via our employment and training programme, encouraging healthy eating, physical exercise, getting involved in community activities or making a difference via volunteering.

Readers interested in signing up to future Understanding Health Improvement courses in Thamesmead should contact Trust Thamesmead’s Health and Wellbeing Volunteer, Abu Bah, E: [email protected] 

For details of similar courses coordinated by the Royal Borough of Greenwich in other locations  visit www.greenwichhealthyliving.nhs.uk or call free on 0800 587 5833.