Brent Health Matters: taking health checks and screening into the heart of the community

Brent Health Matters (BHM) is a neighbourhood-led programme that tackles health inequality by sending multilingual frontline teams into housing estates, markets, libraries and high streets to reach busy residents in familiar and convenient locations. After more than 14,857 health checks, fast‑tracked escalations to GPs, and a major push on cancer screening, officials say the results are nothing short of transformational.

Brent’s health revolution is tackling severe health inequalities

Brent Health Matters launched in September 2020 to confront long established health inequalities by taking services directly into communities. The programme uses a neighbourhood led model, directing teams and services to areas with the greatest need. They are working side by side with residents, community groups and partners to improve health outcomes. Their mission is to break down barriers, build trust and close long‑standing gaps in health outcomes.

Cllr Neil Nerva, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Leisure, said: “Health inequalities aren’t about statistics and numbers, it is a matter of life and death. That’s why we’re taking action. By bringing services into our communities and breaking down barriers to care, we are saving lives and building a healthier Brent for tomorrow."

Mobilising community led health support

BHM has built a strong multi organisational model rooted in partnership. The team recruited Community Champions who co produce initiatives, challenge barriers to health and ensure the programme reflects real community needs. Frontline staff speak 26 languages and represent Brent’s cultural and faith diversity, this helps them to build trust quickly and co design support with residents. Over five years, BHM has embedded itself in community spaces, places of worship, cultural venues and busy streets, delivering health checks, screenings, mental health support and advice.

In the last 12 months, the programme has intensified its focus on four major health risks. Teams contacted residents with diabetes and learning disabilities to support them to manage their diabetes. Outreach workers also targeted priority communities who are least likely to take up bowel cancer screening, by running culturally‑tailored awareness events and phone calls to boost participation. As a result, 1,548 bowel cancer screening test kits have been ordered.

Health checks are rolled out at festivals, community centres and public events. It has helped GPs re‑engage with more than 2,900 residents who have untreated high blood pressure, or high blood sugar levels, for possible diagnosis of long-term health conditions such as hypertension or diabetes. Meanwhile, staff carried out home visits and follow‑ups with residents living with Severe Mental Illness to make sure crucial physical health checks weren’t falling through the cracks.

Brent Health Matters programme has rolled out the UK’s first community health pods linked directly to GP systems, and this allows residents to check blood pressure, BMI and do health screenings in local libraries and community centres. Irregular readings are escalated to GPs. These pods have been used over 1,600 times already.