Health and wellbeing organisations help Londoners look after their physical and mental health, especially people living with long-term conditions or facing barriers to mainstream healthcare.
Organisations linked to this cause may run peer support, patient groups, community health projects, exercise and nutrition activities, health information sessions or preventative work in local neighbourhoods.
Evidence & Learning for Health is Ealing's Health Determinants Research Collaboration. It is a partnership between Ealing Council, local community groups, and universities, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research. The organisation works to improve health and wellbeing for people in Ealing by using research and evaluation tools to tackle health inequalities. They build evidence to inform council policies and services, aiming to make Ealing a fairer place to live. They also provide free resources to help council staff and community groups build research and evaluation skills.
Guy's and St Thomas' Foundation is an independent foundation focused on investing in a healthier society by backing people and ideas to drive more equitable health. It contributes to better health for all by investing in fresh thinking and bold action. The Foundation works through a family of organisations, collaborating with communities, partners, and hospitals. It aims to create a healthier society by using its assets for health impact and unlocking the potential for cities to be healthier, specifically mentioning Impact on Urban Health's work in Southwark. The Foundation also supports staff and healthcare at Guy’s, St Thomas’, and Evelina London hospitals.
Teenage Cancer Trust funds specialist nurses, youth support coordinators and hospital units so young people aged 13 to 24 with cancer are treated together with age-appropriate care and support.
The British Heart Foundation funds research into heart and circulatory diseases, provides information and support for patients, trains people in CPR, and runs charity shops across the UK.
Freedom from Torture is a UK-based charity that supports people who have survived torture. The organisation provides therapy and support services, including legal advice, welfare support, group therapy, and assistance with medico-legal reports for asylum claims. It also campaigns against torture and advocates for the rights of survivors seeking asylum in the UK through initiatives like Refugee rights and Fighting torture. They engage survivors in activism through programmes such as Survivors Speak OUT and Write to Life. The charity operates nationally and mentions "local groups" as a way to get involved. Freedom from Torture seeks donations and offers volunteering opportunities.
Marie Curie provides hospice and community nursing care, a free support line and bereavement support for people living with a terminal illness and their families across the UK.
Carers UK provides advice, information and support to unpaid carers looking after family or friends, and campaigns for better rights, services and financial support for carers.
Diabetes UK funds diabetes research, provides a helpline, information and local support groups for people living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and campaigns for better care and prevention.
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money to fund research, equipment and patient support at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, helping improve cancer diagnosis and treatment for patients in London and beyond.
Asthma + Lung UK is the UK's lung health charity, funding research, providing advice and helpline support for people living with asthma, COPD and other lung conditions, and campaigning for cleaner air.
Enfield Carers Centre is a registered charity based in Enfield, providing essential support and services to unpaid adult and young carers. The centre offers a range of services including Carer Assessments, one-to-one advice, benefits advice, counselling, training workshops, and social activities. They also operate Connections Day Care Centre for adults and provide homecare services. The organisation works to improve the lives of carers living in or caring for an Enfield resident, helping them access rights, support, and breaks. Their efforts aim to ensure carers are recognised and involved in care planning, contributing to their overall health and wellbeing.
Terrence Higgins Trust works to end new HIV cases, support people living with HIV, and fight HIV stigma. The organisation encourages HIV testing, including in NHS settings, and focuses on reaching people with undiagnosed HIV. It provides support programmes for newly diagnosed individuals, helping them access care and offering services such as the THT Direct helpline, My Community forum, groups, and workshops. Terrence Higgins Trust leads initiatives to combat HIV stigma and discrimination in personal relationships, healthcare, and the workplace. They also offer services and information related to protection, PrEP, and Chemsex. The Trust operates services in locations including Scotland, Brighton and Hove, and Teesside, and accepts donations to support confidential HIV testing.
Imperial Health Charity supports hospitals by funding refurbishments, medical equipment, and ground-breaking research. The charity also provides financial assistance to patients and their families. It runs an Arts programme that includes a museum-accredited collection of over 2,000 artworks, as well as displays, exhibitions, events, and workshops to enhance the hospital experience. Imperial Health Charity coordinates a volunteering programme where volunteers assist patients and NHS staff. Additionally, through its Compassionate Communities funding programme, the charity offers grants to organisations supporting individuals in north west London who are awaiting or struggling to access healthcare services.
Barnet Wellbeing Service provides early and accessible mental health and wellbeing support for people living, working, or studying in the London Borough of Barnet. Established in 2018, it offers various services including a Wellbeing Hub for emotional health checks, telephone befriending for lonely residents through Barnet Friends, courses and workshops via the Recovery College, and dedicated support for young adults aged 17.5-25. The service also provides culturally informed support for refugees and asylum seekers. It connects individuals to trusted local services and activities, focusing on early intervention to support mental health.
Ability Bow is a charity in East London that provides specialist exercise support. Located in Old Ford, within St. Paul's Church, the organisation supports individuals living with disabilities or complex health conditions. Its gym operates Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am to 5pm, and Thursday from 10am to 1pm. Ability Bow also offers online exercise sessions and handles charity business Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5pm.
St John Ambulance is England's first aid charity, focused on equipping people with first aid skills. The organisation provides medical cover and ambulance services for events across the UK and offers free first aid awareness sessions to communities and schools. St John Ambulance also runs youth programmes including Badgers, Cadets, and Young Responders. Support for the charity is welcomed through donations, fundraising, and volunteering, particularly for its Youth Team roles.
Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity supports Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in Camden by funding patient, family and staff support, medical equipment, and the building and refurbishment of child-centred facilities. The charity invests in research at GOSH and nationally to develop better treatments for children with complex illnesses around the world. The aim is to give seriously ill children the best chance and childhood possible.
The MS Society funds research into multiple sclerosis, runs a helpline and local support groups, and campaigns for better treatment and care for people living with MS.
London’s Air Ambulance Charity provides an advanced trauma team to critically injured patients across London. Using a helicopter during the day and rapid response cars at night or in adverse weather, the charity brings hospital-level care directly to patients when time is crucial. The organisation has been involved in pre-hospital care for over 35 years. The charity relies on support from the community, welcoming donations and volunteers. Individuals can get involved through fundraising events such as the London Winter Walk, London to Brighton Cycle, or the Helipad Abseil. They also accept gifts in memory and through their weekly lottery.
Cancer Research UK funds scientific research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, provides trusted cancer information to the public, and runs a national network of charity shops and fundraising events.
Anthony Nolan runs the UK stem cell register, matching people with blood cancer and blood disorders to potential donors, funding research and supporting patients and families through transplant.
Healthwatch Kensington and Chelsea acts as an independent champion for people using health and social care services in the borough. It gathers feedback from residents on their experiences with local services and shares this with service providers to help improve care. The organisation provides advice and information to help people access health and social care. It also conducts visits to health and social care settings, publishing reports and recommendations for change.
Parkinson's UK funds research into Parkinson's, provides a free helpline, specialist nurses and local groups, and campaigns for better health and social care for people affected.
Crossroads Care South East London is a registered charity established in 1990. It provides practical and emotional support services to unpaid carers, parent carers, and older people. The organisation operates in the London boroughs of Bexley, Greenwich, and Lewisham. Services include personalised care packages, short breaks, overnight care, check-in visits, and a volunteer befriending service. They also offer trauma-informed counselling and an ageing well service. The charity aims to help those they support feel safe, supported, and able to live independently.
