Be Well launches in Bexley to strengthen community-led mental health support
This month, we were delighted to launch the expansion of the Be Well programme into Bexley, bringing together community organisations, local leaders and health partners to grow a network of borough and neighbourhood-based mental health support.
The launch event, held on 23 April 2026 at the Danson Youth Centre, welcomed around 50 representatives from across the voluntary, community and statutory sectors. Attendees included grassroots organisations, faith groups, public health teams and NHS partners, all united by a shared commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing in the borough.
The event was hosted by Philippa Norris from the Danson Youth Centre and Shantel Morris from Morris Mission.
Building on strong foundations
Bexley already has two established Be Well sites – Danson Youth Centre and Morris Mission – with further sites in development at Active Horizons and the Vine Church.
The launch marked a significant step in building local capacity, with community organisations invited to become early adopters of the programme. Through Be Well, organisations receive training, support and ongoing mentoring to develop welcoming, inclusive spaces where people can connect, talk openly about mental health, and access practical support.
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust has played a central leadership role in bringing Be Well to Bexley, working closely with partners to embed the programme within the borough’s wider health and care system. Senior leaders from the Trust have been actively involved in shaping the approach, recognising the importance of working in partnership with communities to prevent mental ill-health and address its root causes.
At the launch event, Andrew George, Chair of Oxleas highlighted how Be Well aligns with the Trust’s commitment to neighbourhood-based care and stronger community partnerships, supporting local organisations to develop skills, build trust and improve access to support. By investing in community-led solutions and strengthening links between grassroots organisations and statutory services, Oxleas is helping to create a more connected, responsive system of care across Bexley.
A community-led approach to mental health
Developed in response to increased mental health challenges and social isolation, the Be Well programme is a flagship initiative of South London Listens – a partnership bringing together NHS organisations, local authorities, Integrated Care Systems and over 150 community organisations across south east and south west London.
At its heart, Be Well focuses on the power of community. Local institutions are supported to train mental health champions, strengthen relationships, and connect people to appropriate services, while also addressing the wider social and structural issues that affect wellbeing.
The programme aims to:
Create spaces where people can build relationships and reduce isolation
Offer practical support and signposting to services
Enable communities to take action on the root causes of poor mental health
There are now over 100 Be Well sites across south London, spanning community groups, schools, faith settings, cafés and even sports clubs.
Working together for local impact
The event provided an opportunity for attendees to hear directly from existing Be Well organisations about what the model looks like in practice, as well as to explore how it could be tailored to meet the needs of Bexley’s communities.
Speakers highlighted the importance of trusted local relationships, community leadership and ongoing listening in tackling mental health inequalities. The programme supports organisations not only to respond to individual needs, but also to work collectively to address wider issues affecting their communities.
A key focus of the day was strengthening connections between community groups and the wider health and care system. By building partnerships between grassroots organisations and statutory services, Be Well aims to foster trust, improve access to support, and support the development of neighbourhood-based care.
Looking ahead
Following the launch, organisations interested in becoming part of Be Well in Bexley will have access to:
Dedicated mental health training and community organising support
One-to-one follow-up and mentoring
Opportunities to join a borough-wide network of Be Well organisations
Collaboration with partners including South London Listens, Citizens UK, Oxleas, Public Health and the voluntary sector
This next phase will focus on growing the network of Be Well sites locally, supporting more organisations to create safe, supportive environments where conversations about mental health can happen openly and confidently.
A shared commitment to wellbeing
The launch demonstrated the strength of partnership across Bexley and a shared ambition to put communities at the centre of mental health support. By investing in local leadership and building on existing community assets, Be Well is helping to create a more connected, resilient and responsive system of care.
South London Listens and partners look forward to seeing the continued growth of Be Well in Bexley and across the south London Boroughs and the positive impact it will have on individuals, families and communities across the borough.
