Volunteers, Colleagues and NHS representatives, came together for a special celebration on Thursday to mark the outstanding achievements of the Health Navigators Project, a volunteer initiative that has been transforming access to health and wellbeing services across Sutton. 

The lunchtime event brought together around 25 volunteers, the Volunteer Centre Sutton (VCS) team, Project Coordinator Lisha Varghese, Nadine Wyatt, NHS Health and Care Integrated Programme Lead for Sutton, and Dr Vidhya Thiagamoorthy, a local GP who has played a key role in training the project’s volunteers. 

Since its launch on 18 May 2023, the Health Navigators Project has provided over 3,500 free health and wellbeing checks to residents across the borough, including BMI and blood pressure assessments, as well as information on local health services and support on how to use the NHS app. 

Under the guidance of Lisha Varghese, the project has rapidly grown in scope and impact, working in close partnership with the NHS South West London Integrated Care System. Health Navigators are now a familiar presence across Sutton — offering support in GP surgeries, libraries, leisure centres, community hubs, and public events. 

Impressive Milestones Reached

• 📋We have delivered over 3,500 health and wellbeing checks with local residents since the project began 

• 🩺 83 checks completed in one day at Cheam Family Practice (3 October 2024) — a record-breaking achievement. 

• ⏱️ Over 1,760 volunteer hours contributed since launch. 

• 👥 77 individuals have volunteered as Health Navigators. 

• 📚 11 training sessions delivered by Dr Vidhya Thiagamoorthy to equip volunteers with essential skills. 

Patient Testimonials

‘I really appreciate your service. If it wasn’t for the Health Navigators, I would have had another heart attack. Thank you’ Viv 

‘You are doing a good job; I came last time to do the health check and now I am on Blood pressure medication and helped to sort out my NHS App as it’s helpful for me. I am a carer for my parents. Thank you’ Patient from Wrythe Green Surgery 

‘You diagnosed me with Blood pressure and now the doctor put me on BP medication. Thank you’ Patient from Manor practice  

Several volunteers were highlighted for their exceptional commitment, including Chrys (307 hours), Pauny (166 hours), Pam (119 hours), and Jenny (114 hours). 

The event served as both a celebration and a heartfelt thank-you to all involved — especially the volunteers whose compassion, energy, and time have made the project a success. 

Find out more about our Health Navigators project