We’re proud to share that the NELFT Barking and Dagenham Community Learning Disabilities Team, working in partnership with the GP Federation and our valued VCSE partners, has been Highly Commended by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) in the Collaborative Project of the Year Award.

The project focused on increasing uptake of annual health checks for people with serious mental illness and learning disabilities. By working collectively, the partnership has helped ensure equitable access to primary care and taken important steps towards closing longstanding health inequality gaps in our communities.

This recognition reflects three core shifts at the heart of NHS transformation: 

• From hospital to community – bringing care closer to where people live and thrive.
• From prevention to treatment – empowering earlier intervention and supporting holistic wellbeing.
• From analogue to digital – using technology to enhance access, efficiency, and outcomes. 

The RCGP’s High Commendation is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and compassion across all the teams and partners involved. It highlights the dedication and creativity that are driving improvements in care in local communities.

Speaking on behalf of the NELFT Barking and Dagenham Community Learning Disabilities Team, Taiwo Odukoya, Head of Adult Mental Health Services, said: 

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together and a huge thanks on behalf of everyone who made this possible. Here’s to continuing this momentum and building on our shared mission to improve lives. Together, we achieve more.”