Community Health Champions

Community Health Champions are our growing network of residents, frontline workers, and volunteers, working to improve health and wellbeing across the borough. If you’re interested in what you can get involved in, be sure to check out our Health and Wellbeing Directory. 

• share clear, reliable health and wellbeing information with your community, networks or clients
• help reduce health inequalities by signposting to vital services and encouraging healthy lifestyles
• provide feedback and information on local health and wellbeing activities
• the option to lead fun activities that promote positive health and wellbeing 

Sign up is easy at the link below, or get in touch to find out more. By becoming a Community Health Champion you’ll be part of an important network that is working towards improving health and wellbeing outcomes for residents across Waltham Forest. 

You’ll also: 

• gain access to free training and resources, including ‘Making Every Contact Count’ (MECC), 5 Ways to Wellbeing, Gut Health and Bowel Cancer Awareness
• join a supportive network committed to creating healthier communities
• stay informed about free local health and wellbeing events and activities
• have the option to volunteer at health and wellbeing events where you can put your training into practice 

Email: volunteer@walthamforest.gov.uk with the subject line Community Health Champion ahead to make an appointment, or visit our weekly drop-in at Walthamstow Library (Thursdays, 10am to 11.30am). 

The Community Health Champion Microgrant provides small grants to support resident‑led and community‑led projects that improve health and wellbeing and help reduce health inequalities in Waltham Forest.

The total funding pot available is £15,000, and you can apply for up to £1,000 if you’re a resident, individual or informal group, and up to £2,000 is you’re a constituted group (charity, CIC).

Projects must be health‑focused and address at least one of the following health priorities:

• Mental health
• Healthy weight, nutrition & physical activity
• Healthy ageing

We encourage applications for activities that support the following target groups however, this is not a compulsory list:

• Adults
• Men
• Disabled residents
• People with long‑term conditions
• LGBTQI+ communities
• Residents whose first language is not English
• Romanian residents

Examples of previously funded activities included monthly mindfulness walking and photography sessions for men, a fortnightly peer-led diabetes support group, and monthly dance sessions for parents and children on low or no income.

Successful grantees will also be required to sign up to the Community Health Champion (CHC) Network. The Network connects residents and community organisations across Waltham Forest to improve health and wellbeing, reduce inequalities, and support prevention through community-led engagement, training and information sharing. 

Eligible applicants include individuals who are residents of the London Borough of Waltham Forest, who can apply for grants of up to £1,000.

Eligible organisations (who can apply for grants up to £2000) include voluntary or community organisations, registered charities, constituted groups, and Community Interest Companies (CICs) and social enterprises. 

Sole traders, organisations not working in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, or organisations that are aimed at generating profits for private distribution are not eligible. 

Projects must:

• Take place in Waltham Forest
• Be accessible
• Provide clear community benefit
• Demonstrate value for money
• Be delivered within the funding period

To submit an application, you can either apply by filling out the online Application Form for Community Health Champions Micro-grant

Or download the application form and return it as a Word document to connectingcommunities@walthamforest.gov.uk

Find out more about the scoring criteria, guidance, and reporting requirements (PDF).

Final date for submission is Sunday 9 August