Hackney is intensifying its fight against health inequality through its MATCH (eMbedding heAlth equiTy in City & Hackney) programme, discussed at a Health and Wellbeing Board meeting on Thursday 26 June 2025. The programme, designed by the City and Hackney Population Health Hub, aims to reduce disparities across the borough by collaborating with partners and residents.
Updates were provided on the programme's key areas, including anti-racist commissioning, food poverty, maternity services, cardiovascular disease prevention, and women's health. Year two focuses on mental health support for asylum seekers, healthy weight pathways, and children and young people's mental health. The board also considered the proposed plan for year three, which includes an academy model and a MATCH Playbook to broaden the programme's reach.
The board also heard about the work of the Brunch Bunch, a group of people with lived experience of homelessness, mental health issues, substance use, and involvement with the criminal justice system. The Brunch Bunch partnered with STEPS (Supporting Transitions and Empowering People Service) to co-produce and co-design outcomes. Their work included a winter flyer, a monthly winter stall, and a Christmas event providing resources and support to the homeless community.
Substance use support in Hackney was also on the agenda. Since 2021, increased investment has been directed towards addressing harmful drug and alcohol use. The Combatting Drugs Partnership (CDP) has been providing strategic direction since 2022, with aims to prevent premature deaths, reduce community impacts, improve wellbeing, and reduce inequalities in substance use support. The report pack stated that most key indicators for access to treatment have improved across the life of the CDP.
Finally, the board noted the sign-off of the 2025-2026 Better Care Fund, which joins up health and care services to support individual health and wellbeing and independent living within communities. The Government's BCF policy framework for 2025-2026 focuses on shifting from sickness to prevention and supporting independent living.