Thriving Norwood, led by Norwood Forum, is a community-driven project focused on improving wellbeing in our neighbourhood. Through connecting residents to local activities, launching two new Health & Wellbeing hubs, and signposting support from local services, the project aims to build resilience and reduce health inequalities. In this interview, Teresa Donoghue, the leader of the project, shares more about the exciting plans ahead for our community.

What is Thriving Norwood?

Thriving Norwood is a community project focused on improving the overall health and wellbeing of everyone in the local area. My role is to support individuals, groups, and organisations already offering health and wellbeing activities and events, as well as anyone who wants to create new ones. This includes connecting people to help them become stronger together.

What are the ambitions for the future?

Ideally, we’d love to create a Health and Wellbeing Hub in West Norwood - a welcoming space where everyone can come together, meet new people, access information, join in activities, reduce isolation, and improve their overall wellbeing.

Best thing about Norwood?

I’ve lived in West Norwood for a long time, raising my family here, and I absolutely love it! There are so many amazing things about West Norwood: great places to visit, an incredible library and cinema, a renowned cemetery, many independent shops and cafes, and of course, West Norwood Feast.

But what I love most - and what brings all these things together - is the wonderful sense of community. People are friendly and welcoming, they care deeply about their neighbourhood, and many of them give their time to support others.

I truly believe West Norwood is a special place, and I feel lucky to call it home.

For more information on the project, contact Teresa on: thriving@norwoodforum.org