On the 6th of September, the first Community Health and Wellbeing Workers (CHWW) conference was held at Imperial College London new campus in West London. This marked the first time CHWWs from across the UK could gather, share learning, and celebrate their achievements in tackling health inequalities in some of the country’s most deprived communities.
A Unique Gathering of CHWWs
The event drew CHWWs from across the UK, representing regions like Westminster, Cornwall, and Norfolk. It provided a much-needed space for these workers—who are deeply embedded in their communities—to reflect on their work, share experiences, and learn from one another.
The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and pride as CHWWs had the chance to connect with peers facing similar challenges. Throughout the day, the emphasis was on sharing real-world experiences, offering practical solutions, and learning from one another’s successes and hurdles.
Talks and Learning from Brazil
The day began with talks that set the stage, highlighting the importance of the CHWW role in addressing the social determinants of health. The talks reinforced that CHWWs are on the frontlines of addressing housing issues, financial insecurity, mental health struggles, and directly addressing people’s health and wellbeing.
One of the key learning moments of the day was revisiting the model’s roots in Brazil, where it has been implemented for over 30 years. Attendees watched interviews with CHWWs in Brazil, who spoke about the difficulties they faced in supporting residents in deprived communities, offering valuable insights for those working in the UK. Hearing their experiences helped frame the challenges and solutions that the UK CHWWs face today, emphasising the importance of persistence and building trust within communities.

A Powerful Story from Cornwall
A highlight of the conference and something that has stayed with me since, was an incredibly moving story from a CHWW based in Cornwall, which perfectly illustrated the power and potential of the role.
The CHWW shared the story of a resident living in severe deprivation, struggling to care for himself and navigate the benefits system. With the support of the CHWW, the resident was guided through a tribunal process to secure much-needed financial aid and resources to improve his living conditions. This was a turning point for him—once his most pressing concerns were addressed, he was empowered to take greater ownership of his health.
Freed from the immediate burden of financial insecurity, the resident made significant lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking and actively managing his prediabetes. The transformation was remarkable, showing how addressing basic social needs can unlock a person’s ability to engage with and improve their health.
This story, like many others shared throughout the day, underscored the vital importance of the CHWW role in holistically supporting residents to not only improve their immediate circumstances but also to enable long-term health improvements.
Networking and Future Collaboration
In addition to learning, the event offered valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration. CHWWs expressed excitement about future connections, and workers from different regions can continue to share resources, successes, and strategies for overcoming common challenges.
Looking to the Future
As the conference drew to a close, the overwhelming sentiment was one of optimism and determination. The CHWW model, still in its relative infancy in the UK, has already demonstrated profound impacts on community health, and the conference reinforced that there is so much more potential to unlock.
The conference was not only a chance to reflect on successes but also a powerful reminder of the potential for even greater impact in years to come. The CHWWs left feeling inspired and more connected, ready to return to their communities with fresh ideas, stronger networks, and renewed energy.
This conference was a pivotal moment in the development of the CHWW program—a celebration of the tireless work being done to improve health outcomes for the UK’s most vulnerable residents, and a platform for sharing the powerful impact CHWWs are having on lives across the country.