From community activities to better access to support, Ealing Council’s new Health of the Borough report highlights some of the work taking place to help residents live happier, healthier lives.
This is the second year that this annual report has been published as an interactive digital magazine, making it easier for people to read and find out what’s been happening across the borough’s 7 towns to improve health and wellbeing. Councillor Polly Knewstub, the council’s cabinet member for healthy equal lives, said:
“This year’s Health of the Borough shows how much we can achieve when we work with residents, communities and partners. The digital magazine brings that work to life, and I hope people explore it to see the progress being made and the many ways they can help build a healthier, more equal borough.”
Investing in the building blocks of health
You can find out how the council is working to improve the building blocks of health – the things that support your everyday wellbeing, such as a safe home, steady work, green spaces, local services and strong links to your community. These factors contribute to long‑term physical and mental health.
The publication also explains how, over the past year, the council and its partners have focused on actions that will have a lasting impact. This includes meeting people who are sleeping rough, offering support that works for them and creating new specialist roles that help people move into safe housing and get the healthcare they need. More support is also being offered in places like GP surgeries and community centres, to help with mental health, substance misuse, stopping smoking or money worries.
Meanwhile, Learn Ealing and Work Ealing have supported thousands of residents, with more than 4,000 qualifications completed in the last 12 months.
And the council’s cost of living team, working with voluntary sector partners, has helped to increase household incomes by £2.2 million in the last 6 months.
Working with residents
Residents have played a key role too, by taking part in Partnership Board meetings, volunteering to share trusted health information through the Community Champions network and working with the council and other organisations to improve high streets and community spaces through ‘Town Teams’. These are local partnership groups that bring residents, businesses and community groups together to improve high streets and shared community spaces.
Dozens of local community researchers have collected real‑life stories from residents about issues like youth spaces, housing and access to information. Their insights are helping the council and partners understand what is driving health inequalities and how to improve services for people facing the biggest challenges.
Healthier futures for children and young people
Children and young people are a vital part of the borough’s future, making up a quarter of its population. That’s why the council is working with schools to reduce exclusions and support emotional wellbeing through Therapeutic Thinking, an approach that helps schools understand and respond to behaviour with compassion, consistency and practical de‑escalation strategies.
Staff and parents are also being trained to spot early signs that a young person may be struggling, so they can get help sooner. At the same time, council teams continue to support families with learning, skills and employment opportunities.
Greener, more active places
Work on the Regional Park is moving forward, supported by almost £1million in National Lottery funding secured in 2025. This investment is helping design a new trail, improve wetlands and wildlife habitats, and involve residents directly in shaping the plans. The council is working with partners including the National Trust, Environment Agency and Hounslow Council to ensure the park connects communities across west London and supports health and climate goals.
Free, community‑led activities continue to grow across the borough, supported by groups such as Let’s Go Southall. It runs nearly 80 sessions a week – from walking groups to tailored fitness classes – for more than 1,200 residents. The social movement also supports a fast‑growing cycling club with around 100 regular riders. Their work is helping residents to move more, feel healthier and connect with others.
