Project Smith Community Connectors Programme Lambeth

Project Smith is a community development initiative in Lambeth, co-produced with local residents to enhance health and wellbeing at the street and neighbourhood levels. RBE Associates has been instrumental in delivering the project and key elements of it, such as the Community Connectors Programme.

Community Connectors Programme

The programme recruits local residents on a ward-by-ward basis to become Community Connectors. These individuals receive comprehensive training, including:

Behaviour Change Training: Accredited by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), this training equips connectors with the skills to effectively promote positive health behaviours within their communities.

Wheel of Wellbeing Training: Developed jointly by South London and Maudsley NHS Trust (SLAM) and RBE Associates, this training focuses on holistic approaches to mental and physical wellbeing.

After completing the initial four-day training, Community Connectors participate in monthly ‘safaris.’  These sessions involve visiting various local organisations to broaden their knowledge of available services, enhancing their ability to signpost individuals effectively.

Impact and Achievements

Since its inception, Project Smith has:

Trained Over 300 Community Connectors: These connectors operate at the grassroots level, linking residents to health services, community groups, and social activities, thereby improving quality of life.

Awarded More Than 100 Grants: Through the Lambeth Wellbeing Fund, the project has supported local initiatives focusing on physical activity, arts and crafts, community events, and digital skills, fostering a stronger sense of community.

An evaluation conducted between 2017 and 2019 highlighted several positive outcomes for Community Connectors, including increased social connections and enhanced mental and physical health.

Connectors gained valuable skills in communication, leadership, and community engagement, benefiting both their personal and professional lives.

RBE Associates continues to play a pivotal role in the ongoing success and expansion of Project Smith, demonstrating a strong commitment to empowering communities and promoting health and wellbeing in Lambeth.