Insight Bulletin - February 2026
Insight
North Kensington update. A bulletin where we share the learning and insight from the North Kensington Recovery Programme (Grenfell).


Remembering the lives lost

As the careful and respectful work to take down Grenfell Tower continues, we pause to remember the 72 people who lost their lives, and we think of all those who survived, were bereaved, and everyone in the community who continues to be affected. The impact of Grenfell remains deep and long‑lasting.

We recognise the strength shown by survivors and bereaved families, and we acknowledge the wider community, neighbours, volunteers, local groups and organisations, who have supported one another since the tragedy. Their resilience and commitment to each other continue to shape the response in North Kensington.

As the site changes, our commitment does not. We will continue to listen, learn and work alongside the community, ensuring that local voices guide health and wellbeing support now and in the future. We remain focused on helping build a future shaped with, and strengthened by, the people most affected.


Grenfell Health Information Updates: Community Comes Together

Residents, local organisations and health professionals came together this month for the second Grenfell Health Information Updates meeting on Wednesday 4 February 2026 at the North Kensington Resource Centre. The session, run in partnership with Lancaster West Residents Association, was calm, respectful and very well attended. 

Clinicians and public health experts shared clear updates on the health of children and young people, asthma support in schools, and the latest findings from the Population Health Monitoring programme. Residents asked thoughtful questions, and speakers took time to answer openly. 

Partners described the meeting as a positive step forward, with organisers now planning a follow‑up session in May to reach even more parents and local residents. 
Engagement begins on future non‑clinical Grenfell support

The North Kensington Recovery Programme continues to provide dedicated health and wellbeing support for people affected by the Grenfell tragedy, including mental health care, physical health support, and bereavement and family services. We remain fully committed to supporting survivors, the bereaved, and everyone affected. As needs change, we are shaping future support so it is sustainable, community-led, and based on what people tell us they need.

We are now starting engagement on non-clinical (support) services, often delivered by voluntary, community and faith sector (VCFS) organisations. These services promote wellbeing, strengthen local connection, and help people build confidence and tools to manage their own health and that of their families. Kensington and Chelsea Social Council (KCSC) is supporting this work by helping run engagement sessions and bringing together community feedback. KCSC is not a decision-maker; their role is to make sure community voices are heard.

Between February and March 2026, KCSC and the NHS will be speaking with survivors, bereaved families, residents, the Grenfell workforce and partners to check current needs, understand what support people find most helpful, and how people can easily use them. New services are expected to launch in Autumn 2026. 

To take part or share views, contact health@kcsc.org.uk or the North Kensington Recovery Team at nhsnwl.nkrt@nhs.net
Steady through change: Support for you as work around the Tower continues

We want you to know that the NHS is here for you, and our support will stay steady and reliable throughout.

The NHS is making sure people have the emotional, physical and practical help they need. This includes:
  • access to your GP, local wellbeing services and community support
  • specialist teams who understand Grenfell-related trauma
  • support for children, young people and families
  • checks on air, dust and noise by public health partners
If you are finding this time difficult, you are not alone. There is always someone ready to listen. You can find out more by visiting www.grenfell.nhs.uk

Enhanced Health Checks: Easy, free and for local residents affected by Grenfell

The NHS is offering free Enhanced Health Checks at local GP practices and community venues. These checks cover physical and emotional wellbeing and are open to anyone affected by Grenfell.

  • Speak to your GP practice and arrange appointment
  • Attend a community clinic where you don’t need an appointment

Air, dust and noise: How monitoring keeps you safe

Specialist teams check the air, dust and noise levels around the Tower on a regular basis. This monitoring helps make sure the environment stays safe and that any concerns can be picked up quickly.

  • Air: Sensors measure tiny particles in the air throughout the day. Experts look for any changes that might affect health.
  • Dust: Samples are collected from local surfaces and tested in labs to check they are within safe limits.
  • Noise: Sound meters track noise from site activity. If noise gets too high, the teams carrying out the work are asked to adjust how they operate.

These tests are reviewed by public‑health experts and shared with the NHS and council. If anything needs attention, teams act straight away. Updates are shared so you always know what’s happening and what the results mean.

The Government has also published its latest community update.

How to talk to your GP about Grenfell‑related concerns

You can speak openly with your GP about any physical or emotional concerns linked to Grenfell. They are there to support you, even if you’re not sure exactly what you want to say.

Simple ways to start the conversation might be:

  • “I’ve been finding things a bit harder recently.”
  • “I think some of what I’m feeling may be linked to Grenfell.”

Your GP may ask a few gentle questions to understand what’s going on and what support might help. They can offer advice, refer you to wellbeing or mental‑health services, or suggest an Enhanced Health Check.

You can bring someone with you if that makes you feel more comfortable, and you can ask for an interpreter if English isn’t your first language.

Planning the future design of Grenfell specific health services

NHS North West London is currently planning the future design of Grenfell specific health services and how the community can stay closely involved in this work. They are intended to be sustainable, community led, and shaped directly by what survivors, bereaved families and North Kensington residents tell us they need.

As part of this planning process, the ICB will set out why change may be needed, be open about what the monitoring of people's health tells us, what possible options could look like, and how the community will be able to influence and shape these options before any decisions are taken.

NHS partners are planning a programme of engagement before the pre-election period and anniversary period that will involve survivors, bereaved groups, wider residents, community organisations, and partners across primary, community and mental health services.

The intention is to ensure people have multiple, accessible opportunities to contribute to the development of the future model, including areas where the community has already highlighted the need for clearer routes into care, stronger wellbeing support, and better joined up services. The ICB is currently finalising the programme with local partners, and will be publicising engagement opportunities shortly.

If you would welcome a further discussion with the ICB, please contact the NHS North West London North Kensington team via the dedicated mailbox: nhsnwl.nkrt@nhs.net . This ensures queries and requests for involvement reach the full team who are currently leading the planning and engagement work.

Higher Risk Buildings Regime – Consultation Opens

A new government consultation has launched to review parts of the Higher Risk Buildings Regime, following concerns that some requirements are delaying essential work and becoming disproportionate. The review aims to improve proportionality while maintaining strong building safety standards.

The consultation focuses on how the regime applies to telecommunications work in higher‑risk buildings, including installing fibre optic cabling and mobile masts. Government officials will be engaging with residents, industry and experts throughout.

Officials from MHCLG and the Building Safety Regulator are available to discuss the proposals. To arrange a meeting, email GrenfellTowerSite@communities.gov.uk



New interim chief executive officer announced

Katie Fisher has been appointed as the new Interim Chief Executive Officer for North Central London and North West London, taking over from Frances O’Callaghan at the end of January. She joins on a nine‑month secondment and will lead the launch of the new West and North London ICB in April. Katie brings over 20 years of NHS leadership experience and says she is pleased to support the region during this important period

Contact us


If you have any questions or feedback, please email us at nhsnwl.nkrt@nhs.net