3CEES was born from both frustration and conviction—a passion to ensure that residents of Lewisham East Ward have equitable access to locally commissioned services that ease the cost of living, reduce health inequalities, and improve health outcomes.

Our CEO, Christine Banwell, a seasoned community health pharmacist, previously served within the local NHS commissioning organisation. She was instrumental in identifying services to support residents' health needs. Yet despite these efforts, many critical services went undelivered—reasons included permanent pharmacy closures and lack of uptake from existing providers. The result? Local people left behind by the very systems designed to help them.

Determined to bridge this gap, Christine initially encouraged other independent pharmacy providers to apply for the relevant licences, but none stepped forward. Undeterred, she pursued the licence herself. After more than 18 months navigating regulatory hurdles, the approval came through—and 3CEES was officially launched.

Placing a not-for-profit pharmacy in one of Lewisham's most deprived areas was a purposeful step toward this goal. We aim to educate the community on the safe use of medicines, while building the confidence and knowledge to prevent and manage long-term health conditions. We are driven by our values of compassion, equity, education, and empowerment—ensuring that dignity and access are never optional.

Since opening our doors, we've been supporting residents with timely access to medication, expert advice, and community-led care. And we're investing in the future: through ongoing partnerships with local secondary schools, 3CEES offers regular pharmacy work experience—sparking early interest in healthcare and empowering young people to care for their own health and others'.

The name 3CEES reflects our belief in Community, Care, and Collaborative Solutions. It's not just a name—it's a promise.