Housing
Safe, secure housing is vital for good health. Poor housing can affect physical and mental wellbeing. That’s why we’re working with NHS, local councils, housing providers and community partners to make homes in south London healthier places to live.
What we’re working on
Convening the South London Health and Housing Coalition, bringing together community leaders, the NHS and local authorities across all 12 south London boroughs to take action on the health impacts of the housing crisis.
Identifying opportunities to use NHS and public land to support affordable, social and temporary housing developments.
Improving how people with housing-related health needs are identified and supported through health services.
Developing clearer and more consistent information and guidance for residents, GPs and local authorities about housing-related health issues.
Supporting work to tackle digital exclusion, including expanding access to free WiFi in temporary accommodation
Our priorities
Use NHS land to build affordable and social housing
Bring housing advocacy into health services, so people with housing-related health needs get support and housing issues are spotted early
Empowering communities to influence housing and health decisions
South London Health and Housing Coalition
In listening to over 10,000 people across south London, community members told us that housing affects their health and wellbeing. In response, South London Listens established the South London Health and Housing Coalition to bring together community leaders, NHS organisations and local authorities to develop practical solutions. The Coalition has become a unique partnership across all 12 south London boroughs focused on tackling the root causes of poor health linked to housing.
Taking action
Since 2024, through the Coalition, Community leaders and partners have co-developed recommendations through participatory process. Senior NHS and local authority leaders have pledged to take forward these recommendations and embed housing into health planning.
Recent progress
Since launching, the Coalition has:
Developed a south London-wide resource pack and communications to improve transparency and consistency around housing-related health needs.
Identified NHS sites in south east and south west London that could support future housing and community benefit opportunities.
Begun work with borough partners to embed housing priorities within neighbourhood and prevention programmes.
Supported growing commitments to provide free WiFi in temporary accommodation to help tackle digital exclusion.
Latest updates
