In order to improve health we need the support of our population to understand the issues which they are facing.

Our Coalition – including our Anchor System Programme – will therefore aim to bring together local people and communities with the health and care system to understand and address the wider determinants of health. This is about making the most of the local assets that we have in our communities.

By galvanising a wide variety of organisations and groups in south east London around a shared purpose we can improve health and reduce health inequalities. The metaphor for this process is a ‘social contract’: this recognises that the system and the population need better ways of collaborating and that we can only achieve this purpose if the intelligence of the population is embedded alongside clinical and public health expertise.

We also see anchor institutes – large employers with strong local roots – as a way in which to deliver change and lasting impact across communities. These have great potential for bolstering local economies, addressing issues of health inequality and embedding practices within the local area. We will seek to establish a South East London Anchors Network that can provide mutual support and leadership where helpful.

Recent achievements

At our recent Population Health Conference we showcased:

Further information

You can find out more about our Anchor System Programme, or how large institutions can become ‘anchors’ for their local community in this video, or in our conference video here.

News, stories and events

Bexley Wellbeing Partnership Meeting – 27th March 2025

Please join us for the Bexley Wellbeing Partnership Meeting. This is an opportunity for us to share our plans for health and care services for the residents of Bexley. Members of the public will have an opportunity to send in questions in advance of the meeting and can also ask questions when the meeting begins. […]

Thursday 27th March 2025
2-4pm
Council Chamber, Bexley Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath. DA6 7AT
South East London ICB and Southbank Centre Unite for Health and Arts Partnership

We’re delighted to announce an exciting partnership between the South East London Integrated Care Board (SEL ICB), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) and the Southbank Centre. Together, we’re using the power of the creative arts to improve health and wellbeing for communities in south east London, especially for children and young people. […]

23 Jan 2025
New NHS blood donor centre opens in Brixton to inspire the local community to give lifesaving blood

London’s newest blood donor centre has opened in the heart of Brixton, encouraging more south east London donors, especially from Black African and Caribbean backgrounds, to come forward. Developed by NHS Blood and Transplant in collaboration with community leaders, local businesses and residents, and located on the main shopping artery, Brixton’s first-ever permanent blood donor […]

23 Jan 2025