Insight Bulletin - October 2025 |
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North Kensington update. A bulletin where we share the learning and insight from the North Kensington Recovery Programme (Grenfell).
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NHS supports Grenfell community as Tower carefully comes downThe NHS continues to support those affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy as the careful process of removing the Tower is now underway, marking a significant and sensitive milestone. Health and care services across the area are working together to ensure appropriate support is in place. General practice, mental health and wellbeing teams are ready to respond to the emotional impact this moment may have on survivors, the bereaved and local residents, and will remain alert to changes in health and wellbeing needs. The NHS is working with government to ensure robust environmental monitoring throughout the removal process, in direct response to community concerns about the possible physical health effects of dust, debris and air quality. The government’s September community update confirms that preparatory works, including crane installation and removal of the plant room have finished, work has begun on the residential floors, and monitoring information on air quality, dust, noise and vibration will be published monthly, with UKHSA continuing to assess air quality. It also makes available the Air Quality & Dust Management Plan and the Noise & Vibration Management Plan. If you have any concerns about your health or wellbeing during this period, there are a range of services available to support you. You can speak to your GP, access enhanced health checks, or contact the Dedicated Service for survivors and the bereaved. The Grenfell Health and Wellbeing Service is also available to provide specialist support and advice. The NHS will continue to listen and respond as the situation evolves, making sure people know how and where to get help. If you have any questions, please email us at nhsnwl.nkrt@nhs.net.
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Free Enhanced Health Checks available in North Kensington
Residents affected by Grenfell can access a free NHS enhanced health checks at a local community venue. These checks are designed to help people understand their health risks and take proactive steps to improve their physical, mental health and emotional wellbeing.
The service is part of ongoing efforts to support the community following the Grenfell tragedy, and includes checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes risk, and more. Enhanced Health Checks are also available at a number of local GP practices. |
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London Fire Brigade publishes Grenfell Memory Project Pre-Consultation ReportThe London Fire Brigade has published the Grenfell Memory Project Pre-Consultation Engagement Report and Analysis, marking an important step in shaping a lasting legacy for the 72 lives lost in the Grenfell Tower fire. This report summarises feedback gathered during the initial engagement phase with bereaved families, survivors, and local residents. The insights will inform the next stage of formal engagement and involvement with the wider Grenfell community, scheduled for early 2026. The Grenfell Memory Project aims to ensure that remembrance and recovery efforts reflect the community’s aspirations and provide meaningful support.Read the full report and learn more about the project here: Grenfell Memory Project.
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A table of hope and healing in North KensingtonA blog, written by Radhika Howarth, North Kensington Engagement and Partnership Lead at NHS North West London, takes us inside the heart of a remarkable community tradition – the Couscous Club.  Every Friday, the Al-Hasaniya Moroccan Women’s Centre becomes more than a meeting place – it’s a sanctuary of comfort, culture, and connection. The Couscous Club, a long-standing tradition, has taken on new meaning since the Grenfell tragedy. Here, women affected by loss and trauma gather to share food, language, and faith in an environment that feels safe and familiar. Through this partnership between NHS North West London and Al-Hasaniya, the club offers more than a meal – it restores dignity, rebuilds trust, and creates a space where healing can begin.
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How we work with and listen to the community — and how it influences changeListening to the people of North Kensington is at the heart of everything NHS North West London does in its ongoing recovery work following the Grenfell Tower fire. Over the past year, we have spoken to hundreds of residents including survivors and bereaved, through workshops, interviews and surveys to better understand their views, experiences, and hopes for the future of local health and wellbeing services.What residents told us?People spoke openly and honestly with us about what matters most to them. We heard strong messages across the board:
- Trust and transparency matter. Some residents told us they still feel excluded or unheard by services. Rebuilding trust requires open, honest communication and clear action based on what the community shares.
- Mental health is still a significant concern. Residents emphasised the importance of support that is long term, accessible, and grounded in an understanding of trauma and community context.
- Cultural understanding is key. People want services that reflect and respect the diversity of the community, including culturally appropriate mental health support, and staff who understand the lived experiences of local people.
- Spaces to connect and heal are essential. Residents value community-based support that brings people together. There is a strong sense that healing happens not only through individual care, but through shared spaces and experiences.
- Young people need to be heard. Young residents called for more opportunities to shape services that affect them, and asked that professionals take time to build trust, listen without judgment, and offer consistent support.
How this feedback is influencing meaningful change?We’re using this insight to inform every aspect of our planning, delivery and commissioning. Some of the ways your feedback is already making a difference include:
- Working in new ways with the community. We’re involving residents as equal partners through our community co-design groups, where local voices directly shape services and projects.
- Improving how we communicate. We’re using clearer, simpler language, and sharing updates in more accessible formats and community venues, not just online.
- Creating spaces for healing. We’re supporting community-led initiatives that bring people together in safe, trusted environments, whether that’s through arts, wellbeing, or peer support.
- Shaping long-term plans. Resident input is feeding into our future commissioning plans, so that services are not only available, but also appropriate, inclusive and designed with the community at the centre.
- Continuing the conversation
We know that listening isn’t a one-off activity, it’s a continuous process. That’s why we’re committed to keeping the conversation going, acting on what we hear, and reporting back on the changes made.If you’d like to get involved or hear more about how your voice is shaping the work we do, please visit: www.grenfell.nhs.uk
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Survey shows Enhanced Health Checks are reassuring and easy to access for people affected by the Grenfell Tower fireNearly 10,000 Enhanced Health Check have taken place since the service launched in August 2019.A recent analysis of patient feedback shows that Enhanced Health Checks (EHCs) continue to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of people affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.Based on 266 completed surveys from patients who attended an in person Enhanced Health Check at their GP practice:
- 93% found it easy or fairly easy to book an appointment
- 89% described their experience as very good or good
- 92% said the healthcare professional they saw was very good or good at listening
- 65% said the check helped to reassure them about their health — with nearly half (47%) feeling definitely assured
- Since the service began in August 2019, nearly 10,000 Enhanced Health Checks have taken place. The checks are designed to support people’s physical and emotional health and are tailored to the needs of those directly and indirectly affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.
As well as being available through local GP practices, Enhanced Health Checks are now also being offered at community venues in North Kensington — making it even easier to access the support locally.The free checks include:
- Blood pressure
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Diabetes risk
- Mental health support
- Lifestyle advice and onward referrals where appropriate
If you live or work in the area and were affected by the Grenfell Tower fire, you’re eligible.Book to confirm your space:Call or text: 07768 271 733Email: nhsnwl.grenfellenhancedhealth@nhs.netLearn more: www.grenfell.nhs.uk/nhs-services/enhanced-health-checksEnhanced Health Checks are part of our long-term commitment to supporting the North Kensington community.
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Stay ahead this winter: Book your vaccinations today!Flu and COVID‑19 can hit hard—protect yourself and those around you. Seasonal vaccinations boost your immunity and help keep you well through the colder months when virus rates peak.Why act now?
- early vaccination = stronger protection
- reduces risk of serious illness.
What’s happening?Flu vaccines: Started in September, more eligible from 1 October 2025COVID‑19 autumn programme: Starts 1 October 2025Invites go first to those most at risk via letter, text, or NHS App. Think you’re eligible? You can book yourself!Who’s eligible?
- older people, pregnant women, carers, long‑stay care residents
- children (via schools or GP)
- adults 18–64 with certain long‑term conditions
- people with weakened immune systems.
How to Book
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Leadership and merger milestones for NHS North West LondonNHS North West London and North Central London Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) have entered a new phase of strategic alignment, with the formal announcement of a full merger set to take effect in April 2026. The newly unified organisation which will be called West and North London ICB, will serve 13 boroughs and approximately 4.5 million residents, making it the largest ICB in England.
Frances O’Callaghan has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of both ICBs, bringing continuity and vision to the transition. She will lead the merged entity with a focus on strategic commissioning, tackling health inequalities, and improving outcomes for diverse communities across London.Frances said, “As we move forward with this merger, I am deeply mindful of the communities we serve, none more so than North Kensington, where the Grenfell tragedy left a lasting impact. With the Tower being carefully being taken down, I understand the upset and worry this causes. I look forward to visiting, meeting survivors and the bereaved, and hearing directly from those whose lives were so profoundly affected. Their voices must continue to shape how we deliver care, build trust, and ensure equity across our system.”Mike Bell has also joined as Chair of both ICBs, bringing over 25 years of NHS leadership experience. His role will be pivotal in shaping the new organisation’s governance and delivery model.
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