The Plantain Programme

A nature based, community centred approach to improving the health outcomes for Black people in Lewisham

We're piloting a new & empowering community- centred model of care, working with a local GP of Global Majority in Lewisham.

Why We’re Here

Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney problems affect Black African and Caribbean people more often — and at younger ages (10-15 years younger) — than other groups in Lewisham. Even though our communities visit the GP regularly, the numbers show that:

• Many people’s blood pressure isn’t checked or recorded.
• Some people with high blood pressure aren’t getting it fully under control.
• Many of our Black residents are being seen in A&E for problems that could be managed earlier.
• This isn’t just about access to healthcare - it’s about trust, communication, and care that fits our culture

What’s Behind It

Good health isn’t only about medicine. It’s about food, wellbeing, community, and culture. Our grandparents and parents knew the power of herbal healing, gardening, and faith — traditions often ignored by the NHS.

At Coco Collective- Ital Community Gardens, we see health differently:

• Connection to nature helps reduce blood pressure and stress.
• Growing and cooking traditional whole foods can heal.
• Coming together through music, movement and conversation builds belonging.

By partnering with Lewisham Alliance Primary Care Network (PCN), we’re bringing clinical knowledge and community wisdom together to close the health injustice gap.

What We’re Doing

We’ve created The Plantain Programme — a community-led, nature-based health project that connects medicine, gardening, food, and culture.

1. Ital Community Clinic A health check clinic in our garden in Bellingham or in your community spaces, run by trained Community Champions and supported by GPs. We’ll check blood pressure, kidney health, and weight — and give everyone their own Health Passport to keep track of results. If we pick up any signs of early disease, we can help you let your GP know.
2. Plantain Programme (pronounced plantin' :) A therapeutic gardening and wellbeing programme for people living with high blood pressure or heart problems. You’ll take part in food growing, walks and talks, discussions on healthy eating, medicinal plants, medication and self-care in a supportive Black-led space.
3. Ital Inreach Some people haven’t had their blood pressure checked in over 18 months, increasing their risk of suffering complications. We’ll reach out personally — by phone or email— to reconnect you with care in a kind and culturally appropriate way.

What We Hope to Achieve

• Better detection of high blood pressure and kidney problems.
• Improved care of these conditions through lifestyle, knowledge, and support.
• Stronger trust between our communities and local health services.
• Empowerment – helping you to take charge of your health and share that wisdom with family and friends.
• System change – creating the evidence to support much needed change in healthcare delivery and to demonstrate the effectiveness of a community- led approach

How to Join

You can self refer to either or all our programmes or ask your GP or health practitioner to refer you and especially if you are registered within the Lewisham Alliance PCN or within Neighbourhood 2. Please read the FAQs for more info and look forward to welcoming you on this journey.