Health in Harmony Peckham

We are requesting £35,000 to deliver our project, “Health in Harmony Peckham”, a year-long initiative to improve mental health and increase access to healthier lifestyle choices for disadvantaged communities in Peckham.

These areas are full of creativity and community spirit, but many residents face poor mental health, isolation, and limited access to affordable healthy food and lifestyle options. The cost-of-living crisis, the lasting impact of the pandemic, and daily pressures linked to poverty or insecure immigration status make these challenges worse.

What the project will deliver

We will provide a programme of weekly activities combining practical health support with community connection. Across local venues, we will run:

• Wellbeing workshops on managing stress, building resilience, and boosting confidence.
• Inclusive fitness classes for all abilities, from gentle movement to group walks and dance sessions.
• Healthy cooking and nutrition workshops, showing participants how to make affordable meals with local produce.
• Peer support groups where people can share experiences, reduce isolation, and strengthen networks.

Every activity will be delivered in a welcoming space, blending expert facilitation with peer-led learning to make wellbeing accessible and relevant to daily life.

Who the project is for

We will support priority groups facing the greatest inequalities, including:

• Black, Asian, and minority ethnic residents
• People on low incomes or experiencing homelessness
• Young people in or leaving care
• LGBTQ+ communities
• Unpaid carers
• People with disabilities or long-term health conditions
• People with insecure immigration status

The difference it will make

The project will deliver three main outcomes:

1. Better mental health – through stress management tools, exercise, and supportive groups.
2. Improved access to healthy choices – by teaching affordable cooking skills and promoting active living.
3. Stronger community connections – by reducing isolation and building peer networks that provide ongoing support.

These outcomes will leave participants more confident, resilient, and able to make healthier choices long after the project ends.

How the funding will help

The £35,000 grant will fund:

• Facilitator and trainer costs for high-quality delivery.
• Venue hire for accessible, local spaces.
• Food and equipment for cooking and exercise activities.
• Volunteer training and support to ensure sustainability.
• Outreach and translation to reach people facing language or digital barriers.

This funding removes cost barriers, ensuring free or low-cost access for those most in need.

Why the project will succeed

We have a strong track record of running successful wellbeing programmes in Southwark and Lambeth. Participants describe our work as “a lifeline” and “the only space where I feel truly supported.” Past projects show measurable improvements in resilience, confidence, and healthier lifestyles.

The project is also community-led. Local residents helped shape the activities, and participants will continue to guide sessions. By working with grassroots partners, we will ensure broad reach and cultural relevance.

In summary

“Health in Harmony Peckham” is more than a set of activities. It is a community movement for better health, resilience, and connection. By December 2026, we expect to see improved mental health, stronger peer networks, and greater knowledge of healthy living across Peckham and Brixton. This funding will provide immediate support while creating skills, confidence, and connections that last long into the future.