The London borough of Lewisham has a population of around 260,000, speaking over 200 languages. It is estimated that people of black or ethnic minority origin comprise forty percent of the population.

The majority of the population work outside the borough and almost a quarter of households are pensioner only.

Indices of Deprivation

Government statistics used to identify the most deprived communities in England identify Lewisham as the 39th most deprived local Authority area in England (IMD 2007). Pockets of deprivation are spread throughout the borough, but concentrated in the north in Evelyn, New Cross, and Telegraph Hill wards and also parts of Brockley and Lewisham Central. In the south deprivation is concentrated in Bellingham, Downham, and Whitefoot.

Lewisham also has amongst the highest levels of teenage pregnancy and an above average proportion of people with low levels of literacy and numeracy.

Yet despite its many social problems the borough is active and vibrant. Lewisham contains over 550 small and medium sized creative enterprises and, especially in Deptford, has a long history of artistic achievement.

Voluntary and Community Sector

The voluntary and community sector is varied, active, and makes a highly significant contribution to the welfare and wellbeing of the borough’s citizens. VAL’s database includes over 800 voluntary and community organisations, over 500 people are involved in local tenants' and residents' associations and 1,000 people are involved in Lewisham’s Citizen’s Panel. Public spending in Lewisham totals just over £1billion.

Local Authority Wards in Lewisham

Details of many of these wards can be found on the Council's Neighbourhoods Pages

More Information

For more information on Lewisham, try some of the links below: