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Community Health & Wellbeing Workers

Community health & wellbeing workers (CHWWs) are part of the expanding primary care workforce in Westminster. They are local residents employed to support patients with their health, wellbeing and day-to-day challenges by offering non-clinical, personalised support in the community.

This includes signposting other local services, and acting as a facilitator where appropriate.

To find out of a CHWW is operating in your local Westminster area, visit our coverage map page.

A group of community health & wellbeing workers (CHWWs) from diverse backgrounds smiling and talking together in a bright, welcoming space—illustrating the supportive, community-based approach of the CHWW programme in Westminster.

What is the Community Health & Wellbeing Worker (CHWW) service?

Community health & wellbeing workers (CHWWs) are local residents trained to support the health and wellbeing of people in their own neighbourhoods. They are employed to work in partnership with GP practices to build stronger links between residents, primary care, and the community.

This free service is available to adults aged 18 and over who are registered with a Westminster GP. You do not need a diagnosis or medical condition to be supported by a CHWW.

CHWWs work closely with individuals to improve confidence, encourage healthy lifestyles and help people take small, manageable steps to improve their wellbeing. Their work is shaped by local knowledge and built on trust and consistent relationships.

What can CHWWs do?

CHWWs provide person-centred, non-clinical support based on what matters most to each individual. They can:

  • Offer one-to-one support for health and wellbeing

  • Listen without judgement and help people feel more in control

  • Support with day-to-day issues such as housing, benefits or caring responsibilities

  • Signpost to local activities, community groups and support services

  • Encourage healthier routines around food, movement, sleep and stress

  • Promote participation in screening and vaccination

  • Support access to GP appointments and local health services

  • Work in partnership with GP practices to understand local needs

CHWWs often speak different languages from their local communities, and are trained in wellbeing advocacy, safeguarding, and mental health awareness. They are from the communities they serve and understand the challenges many residents face.

Who is the Community Health & Wellbeing (CHWW) service for?

You can work with a CHWW if:

  • You’re aged 18 or over

  • You’re registered with a GP in Westminster

  • You want to improve your health, wellbeing or confidence

  • You could benefit from support with practical or emotional challenges

You do not need a referral or diagnosis to access the service. CHWWs regularly meet people by knocking on doors, attending local events, and working directly with GP practices.

How does it work?

You may meet a CHWW through:

  • A visit to your home

  • A conversation at a local event or community venue

  • A suggestion from your GP, nurse or practice team

After making contact, the CHWW will arrange a one-to-one meeting with you—in your home, over the phone, at a GP surgery or a local community space.

Together, you’ll identify what’s important to you and agree on some simple next steps. Support is flexible and based on your pace. You might have just one session or a series of conversations over several weeks.

There is no cost for the service, and everything you discuss is confidential.

Why it works

The CHWW model is designed to reach people earlier, reduce isolation and improve access to local support. CHWWs:

  • Work door-to-door to build trust and connect with people who may not seek help themselves

  • Are embedded in the community and know local services

  • Spend time understanding each person’s priorities

  • Support people with multiple and complex needs

  • Reduce demand on overstretched health and care services by preventing problems from escalating

The impact in Westminster

The service is already delivering great results:

  • 29 local volunteers trained and employed as CHWWs

  • 60% of 500 households regularly visited

  • 3 cost-effective interventions per person on average

  •  7% reduction in unplanned GP appointments

  • 47% increase in likelihood of vaccination

  • 82% increase in likelihood of cancer and general screening uptake

How do I get in touch with a Community Health & Wellbeing Worker (CHWW) now?

To find out more about working with a community health & wellbeing worker, speak to your GP practice. Or, visit our CHWW coverage map page, to find your closest CHWW’s contact information.

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