Labour-run Southwark Council today hosted its “Health of the Borough” conference – bringing together community organisations, voluntary groups, councillors, and council officers to celebrate successes and shape the future of healthcare in the borough.

The event showcased Southwark Labour’s unwavering commitment to working with residents and partners to improve health outcomes and tackle inequality head-on.

Southwark Labour is delivering on its pledge to put residents’ health first. From launching the pioneering Southwark Maternity Commission to growing a dynamic network of community health ambassadors, the Labour-run council is driving meaningful change.

This commitment is backed by action: £1 million invested in sexual health, new support for food sustainability, andhelping families through schemes like Alexandra Rose Vouchers. The flagship Health on the High Street initiative is transforming access to care by embedding services in the heart of local communities—breaking down barriers and reducing inequalities.

Looking ahead, the conference spotlighted the “Five Ways to Wellbeing” – a framework developed by the New Economics Foundation to promote good mental and physical health. The Five Ways – Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Give – are now central to Southwark’s vision for a healthier future:

1. Connect more, by spending time with others
2. Take notice by paying more attention to the present moment – being aware of the world around us and what we’re feeling
3. Be active by moving more and often.
4. Give something back – helping in your community can be a real boost and incredibly rewarding
5. Keep learning new skills to feel more confident – it’s fun to learn

Cllr Evelyn Akoto, Southwark Labour spokesperson for Health & Wellbeing, said:

“Today was a powerful moment for local community organisations and partners to come together—to celebrate progress and look forward to a healthier, more equal borough.

From expanding health check kiosks, to leading the Southwark Maternity Commission, to investing £1 million in sexual health, we’re taking bold steps to improve local health with our residents at the heart of it.

The future is local: neighbourhood doctors, health on the high street, and health hubs in public buildings will bring care closer to home—making healthcare easier to access and building a fairer, healthier Southwark for everyone.”