My Journey as a Southwark Community Health Ambassador: Empowering Communities for Better Health

Why I Joined the Southwark Community Health Ambassador Network 

I believe my life’s purpose is to equip individuals with the tools they need to take total control of their health and wellbeing, enabling them to live healthier, happier, and longer lives. With this vision in mind, I joined the Southwark Community Health Ambassador Network to help bridge the health inequalities gap for minority ethnic groups living in Southwark. 

Health inequalities remain a pressing issue, particularly in underserved communities, where access to essential services and knowledge about preventive health measures are limited. By becoming an Ambassador, I saw an opportunity to create change from within—working directly with community members, supporting them in making informed health decisions, and ensuring they could access the services they needed. 

My Experience as a Southwark Community Health Ambassador 

Since joining the programme, I have witnessed firsthand the power of grassroots health advocacy. From hosting community events to engaging in one-on-one conversations, every interaction has reaffirmed that small, consistent actions lead to significant impact. 

In my role as a Southwark Community Health Ambassador, I have taken on multiple responsibilities that directly contribute to improving health outcomes in my community. My work has involved: 

• Providing key health messages to the community and signposting individuals to relevant services. 

• Attending free health and wellbeing training sessions, gaining valuable knowledge in areas such as safeguarding, mental health first aid, suicide prevention, unconscious bias, and public health engagement. 

• Organising and attending community events to raise awareness about key health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, breast cancer, and mental health. 

• Recruiting new Health Ambassadors to expand the network and increase our collective impact. 

• Collaborating with local organisations and stakeholders, including Healthwatch Southwark, the NHS, and Public Health bodies, to improve community outreach efforts. 

   

Key Projects and Achievements 

One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been my collaborations with fellow Ambassadors and community leaders. Some of the key projects I have contributed to include: 

• Supporting the Black Mental Health Project—raising awareness within barbershops, salons, and beauty shops about mental health issues affecting the Black community. 
• Delivering a nutritional talk at the Black History Month event, educating attendees on how dietary changes can help prevent or reverse chronic conditions. 
• Working with the Vital 5 Van Outreach Programme, encouraging residents to have their vital health checks done. 
• Helping plan and co-host Coffee Mornings and Network Meetings, where Ambassadors share knowledge and discuss ways to improve community support. 
• Assisting in the Listening Tour Project organised by Healthwatch Southwark, helping to identify health service gaps in the community. 
• Coaching fellow Ambassadors on taking control of their own health and wellbeing, so they can become role models within their communities. 

• Providing direct support to individuals, ensuring they are connected to the services they need, while also gathering feedback on barriers to accessing healthcare. 

   

What I Have Learned 

This journey has taught me invaluable lessons: 

• Community engagement must go beyond information-sharing—People need practical tools and real-life applications. Many community members have emphasised that they would benefit more from hands-on interventions, such as nutritional coaching, rather than just receiving flyers. 

• The importance of building relationships—Trust is the foundation of effective health advocacy. The more the community sees us as a reliable source of information and support, the more receptive they are to adopting healthier lifestyle changes. 

• Health advocacy requires continuous learning—From safeguarding training to motivational interviewing techniques, every new skill I have gained has helped me better support my community. 

   

How to Become a Southwark Community Health Ambassador 

If you are passionate about making a difference in your community, becoming a Southwark Community Health Ambassador is a rewarding and impactful way to do so. Here’s how you can get involved: 

• Sign up for the programme

• Attend free training sessions to equip yourself with the necessary knowledge. 

• Engage with your community, helping to connect individuals to health services and raising awareness about key health issues. 

• Collaborate with other Ambassadors and organisations to maximise impact. 

By joining, you will not only be empowering others but also improving your own health and wellbeing—becoming a role model within your community. 

Final Thoughts 

Being a Southwark Community Health Ambassador has been one of the most fulfilling roles I have taken on. It has provided me with the platform to advocate for holistic health practices, support those in need, and drive real change in the community. 

As we continue this journey, my hope is to see more people take charge of their health, creating a community where health inequalities are reduced, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 

Would you like to join us in this mission? Let’s make Southwark a healthier, happier place—together. 💙