NELFT’s pioneering community partnership mental health work has been highly commended at the 2025 HSJ Awards in the NHS Race Equality Award category, recognising the organisation’s commitment to reducing health inequalities and transforming how services connect with local communities.

This national commendation shines a spotlight on the work of the Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF) team, whose innovative and inclusive approach is reshaping mental health support across north east London. Through deep partnership with grassroots organisations, schools, barbershops, faith groups and local community hubs, the team has co-produced tailored support that meets people in the places they know and trust.

In the past year alone, PCREF has delivered more than 10 community events, facilitated 30+ focus groups, and engaged over 1,500 residents in culturally safe spaces including churches, mosques, gyms, youth clubs and libraries. These partnerships have paved the way for initiatives such as the Waltham Forest partnership with Waltham Forest College, Project Zero and public health, African & Caribbean Health Show with the Village and local GPs community participation with Dagenham Park School, Black Women’s Kindness Initiative, the Metropolitan Police, and Trendz Barbershop and an wellbeing programme delivered by Redbridge Community Psychology team for South Asian women hosted at Fullwood Primary School.

Wellington Makala, Executive Chief Nursing Officer, said:

“We are incredibly proud that our PCREF work has been recognised. Being highly commended reflects the power of prevention, partnership and listening deeply to our communities, a value we hold close to our hearts at NELFT. This achievement highlights that we are helping build a system where everyone; service users, carers, staff and communities, can thrive and receive equitable care.”

Erica Deti, Patient & Carer Race Equality Lead, added:

“This is a testament to the hard work, compassion and collaboration shown by our staff, our communities and our partners. It reflects the shared commitment to addressing health inequalities through community participation, population health approaches, co-production, and culturally informed practice. I am immensely proud of the PCREF team and NELFT."