Health First: About Us

About Us

Health First was the specialist health promotion agency for Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham from 1992-2008. Our aim was to improve the health of local populations and to reduce health inequalities. We provided health promotion expertise and developmental support for organisations and individuals that work with local communities to improve health. We worked in partnership and according to best evidence.

We seek to be in the forefront of innovation and high quality practice in the promotion of health and the reduction of health inequalities. We work in partnership with both the statutory and the voluntary sector to respond to national and local health improvement and modernisation targets. By working closely with primary care trusts, public health departments, the strategic health authority, medical practitioners, local authorities, the voluntary sector and local area based initiatives, we have built up considerable expertise in using collaborative approaches to improving the health of local people.

The lead across Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham

Health First has a proven track record in working with initiatives such as Health Actions Zones, Sure Start, New Deal for Communities, Healthy Living Centres, regeneration programmes and many others. We have played a pivotal role in the successful development of these programmes, ensuring that partnership is at the heart of everything we do.

Priority health needs

Local and national health needs can change from year to year, therefore, our programmes of work are flexible in order to respond to these changes. Our work is consistent with national strategies and local directives. In addition, Health First has a national reputation for our work on HIV and sexual health and our extensive information, learning and development programmes.

Diversity of communities

Our work recognises the diversity of the communities we serve and our service takes account of the range of influences on health from the individual to, more importantly, the socio-economic. Much of our work seeks to reduce the inequalities in health that exist in the local area.

A comprehensive approach

Over the last few years we have developed a dual approach to the delivery of health promotion. We undertake some targetted direct work with immediate population groups (this helps to inform our practice), but the major part of our work involves facilitating the health promotion role of others. We work to enhance the capacity of others to undertake effective and evidence based health promotion projects and programmes.

Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act was passed on 30 November 2000. It gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities about their business. The Act sets out exemptions to that right and places certain obligations on public authorities. It was fully implemented in the NHS on 1 January 2005.

Click here to see our organisational values.

Click here to download a single copy of "A guide to our services."