Last updated: 29 September 2025
Next review: 29 September 2026
Good health is the foundation for a good life. It brings purpose, boosts wellbeing, and helps people stay connected to their communities. That’s why we’re proud to work with local partners and community groups so residents have opportunities to stay active, support their mental health, and find the right help when they need it.
Working with Better, residents with a disability, over 60s and under 18s can swim for free at set times, and Better’s inclusive Social Sports sessions offer a low-cost way to try out sports like badminton, basketball or pickleball. Age UK runs walking football and walking tennis sessions for older residents, while Waltham Forest Community Hub offers weekly walking groups.
Through our expert partners we also support residents’ mental wellbeing. With LifeLine, we run daily coffee mornings and a befriender programme that reduces loneliness and helps people feel connected. Lloyd Park Children’s Centre offers a one-to-one Fathers’ Wellbeing service, and HENRY’s Wellbeing Buddies programme supports families when things get tough at home.
Our Community Walking and Cycling Fund has seen over 60 local projects supported so far, encouraging 4,000 more residents to walk and cycle. One of this year’s awardees, Walk the Loop, are running free family-friendly walks in Pimp Hall Nature Reserve and across Chingford.
Hear from Olivia, the Walk the Loop organiser, about how walking brings people together in the great outdoors.
Discover more and join us
- Local health and wellbeing advice, support and opportunities can all be found on the Health and Wellbeing section of our website.
- If you have an interest in health and supporting your community to live happy, healthy lives, why not apply to be a Community Health Champion? You’ll get expert training across health areas, the latest national and local health updates, and support from the Council to champion good health in your neighbourhood.
- A wide range of simple ways to be active in Waltham Forest can be found on our Get Moving webpage, from Tai Chi classes to drumming workshops and Chair Yoga.
- Check out which of your local eateries has signed up to our Healthier Catering Commitment, which helps businesses make small changes to make the food they serve healthier.