You might recognise a few of the faces on this page already, from a bus stop poster, a scroll through social media, or somewhere else around the borough. In Our Hands is a new healthy eating campaign from Healthy Tower Hamlets, made with the Limehouse Project and Well Newham.
Type 2 diabetes is on the rise in Tower Hamlets, and some people are more at risk than others, depending on things like family history, age and weight. In Our Hands looks at three everyday areas – portion sizes, cooking oil and snacking – and shows how small changes can add up and make a real difference to long-term health.
When we watched the campaign videos, we spotted a few habits of our own. A heavier hand with cooking oil than we’d like to admit, portion sizes that have crept up without really noticing. It’s that kind of campaign, the sort that makes you look at your own plate a bit differently.
Three short films bring this to life through the stories of local people.
Portion Sizes
Dinner with Mumtaz’s family takes a playful turn when her son Abbu is spotted playing with his food. He explains himself with a great tip he learned at school – using your hands to measure portion sizes.
His sisters join in too, sharing what they’ve picked up, and soon everyone is comparing their plates to their hands.
Cooking Oil
Rajia knew diabetes ran in her family, but being diagnosed herself at 40 still came as a shock. She talks honestly about the changes she’s made since, including one she didn’t expect to matter so much – how much oil she uses when cooking.
She’s candid about the pull to fry generously for that golden colour, and how small, gradual changes – like measuring oil or using an air fryer – have helped her feel more positive in herself, in both body and mind.
Healthy Swaps
Rina’s just got back from the shops and is putting everything away while a nutritionist watches along and talks through what she’s picked up.
They focus on balance, especially around snacking, and how being mindful of portions and choosing snacks lower in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats can make everyday habits feel a bit easier to manage.
Want to know more?
The In Our Hands page pulls everything together - from portion guides and healthy eating tips to simple advice on cooking oil, snacking, and staying active, plus links to local support if you want to make a change.
It’s been thoughtfully put together and is well worth a look.
Visit the In Our Hands page
Limehouse Project
The Limehouse Project provides a wide range of advice, support, education and employment training services for communities across Tower Hamlets.Healthy Tower Hamlets
Healthy Tower Hamlets is led by Tower Hamlets Council and the NHS, and focuses on six small steps that can make a big difference to your long-term health, from getting more active and eating well to checking your blood pressure and looking after your mental health.Well Newham
Well Newham helps residents connect with free, local services that support physical health, mental wellbeing, and financial independence.
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