In Our Hands

We are pleased to share that In Our Hands, a campaign developed jointly by Newham and Tower Hamlets, is now live. “Healthy eating is in our hands”, campaign has been designed to be inclusive, empowering and practical. Its core message is simple: “Small changes, big difference.”

The campaign recognises that healthy eating is not always easy. Food choices can be shaped by time, cost, culture, family habits, advertising and what is available locally. That is why the campaign focuses on achievable changes rather than perfection. It encourages residents to think about the small actions they can take, such as adding more vegetables, having more beans and pulses, choosing healthier drinks, or making simple swaps.

You can support the In Our Hands campaign by sharing campaign videos and posters through your social media channels, displaying posters in community spaces, offices, faith settings or local venues, including campaign messages in newsletters or staff bulletins, signposting residents to local healthy eating support where available etc.

Read more here to find out more, download assets and kindly share across your network.

Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness Week

Cervical Screening Awareness Week takes place every June, with the aim of highlighting the importance of regular cervical screening, so that any abnormalities can be detected and treated early.

Cervical screening (smear test) is a free NHS test for people aged 25–64 and one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer. It checks for HPV, helping to detect and treat changes early before cancer develops. People aged 25–49 are invited every 3 years, and those aged 50–64 every 5 years. 

In Newham, screening uptake remains below the national target, with barriers including low awareness, cultural and language factors, and difficulty accessing appointments. Regular screening helps prevent cancer, detects problems early, supports early diagnosis, and provides reassurance about long-term health. 

Newham Public Health is working with partners to improve uptake through community engagement, multilingual support, and practical help with accessing services. 

You can play an important role by encouraging eligible residents, friends and family to attend when invited, sharing trusted information, and promoting awareness

Cervical Screening Saves Lives: Screening helps prevent cancer before it starts

Please share across your networks and read more here

Carers Week 2026

Carers Week (8-14 June), is a national campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities. 

This year the theme is 'Building Carer Friendly Communities' focuses on ensuring carers are recognised, understood, and supported in their local communities. 

Newham Council and Carers Community ran events across this week, in line with the theme for this year where residents could learn about their rights and support available, meet other carers, as well as having a relaxing time. 

For more information and to learn about the support available through Newham’s Carers Services, residents should contact Newham Carers Community on 020 3954 3143 or email info@newhamcarerscommunity.org.uk 

Nutrition support for Newham families

The Early Start Nutrition Team delivers FREE online nutrition support to Newham families, including webinars and online course. 

Weaning your baby webinar and Toddler Meals and Snacks webinar will be hosted 8th July and 18th August respectively providing families with information, tips and recipe ideas, plus a chance to ask questions. 

• Weaning your baby webinar will cover what foods to offer, mealtime routine and recipe ideas, examples of food textures from purees to lumpy and finger foods and many more. 
• Toddler Meals and Snacks webinar will cover meal planning advice, what foods to offer, creating a positive mealtime environment and many more. 

Please share across your networks and read more here

Loneliness Awareness Week 2026 

The Community Pathway team marked Loneliness Awareness Week by running a week of events and activities designed to create spaces for residents to meet and connect. 

This year’s theme, “Giving Loneliness A Voice”, continues that focus. It’s about recognising that loneliness is something many of us experience at different points in our lives and that getting together and talking about it can make a huge positive difference.

Through the Be Connected campaign, the council's working to support residents who are experiencing chronic loneliness and to create spaces where everyone feels welcome, valued, and part of something bigger.

Read more here about the Be Connected team, how you can make referrals and share across your network so residents can get the support they need

Community Spotlight featuring Romanian Health Equity Forum

Our community spotlight for this edition introduces the Romanian Health Equity Forum (RoHEF). 

The Romanian Health Equity Forum brings together professionals with lived and professional experience of Romanian communities to understand the issues, share knowledge, and drive meaningful change. The forum is  independent, apolitical, and rooted in the values of equity, inclusion, co-production, and trust.

Newham is home to the largest Romanian Community in London and it is a great asset to have Newham representing the Forum with Madalina Pop as chair.

RoHEF is developing a multi-year Romanian Health Equity Strategy and Action Plan to help improve access to, trust in, and relevance of health and care services for Romanian communities. As part of this work, RoHEF is creating a practical Health Equity Toolkit to support NHS organisations, local authorities, community groups, and frontline practitioners with the aim to equip partners with the resources needed to deliver more inclusive, accessible, and culturally responsive services for Romanian residents.

Please share across your network and read more here about the amazing work they do