Building trust and connecting people with healthcare: Lambeth’s Black Communities Health and Wellbeing Day
Lambeth’s fourth ‘Inspire’ Black communities health and wellbeing day drew over 450 people to St Mark’s Church in Kennington on Saturday 25 October. This popular event takes place annually during Black History Month, and connects individuals with advice, information and support to take charge of their health, and interact with vital services in a community setting.
The day combined entertainment, exercise and fitness activities, health and wellbeing stalls, health checks, and talks by health professionals, covering topics including sexual health, spotting the signs of cancer, maintaining good mental health, staying active, and ways to improve sleep.
It was co-hosted by Lambeth Together – a partnership between Lambeth Council, the NHS and the voluntary sector – and the Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN), as part of the Inspire Black Health London programme, which supports initiatives to address health inequalities faced by London’s Black communities.
Why community-based events are important
The event was opened by Lambeth’s Mayor, Councillor Adrian Garden, who emphasised the importance of community-based events in giving people the opportunity to talk to health professionals and be reassured, without having to go to hospital.
Dr Di Aitken, local GP and Co-Chair of Lambeth Together’s Care Partnership Board, said,
“I am delighted to see all the different organisations that serve Lambeth, coming together and being in the same place at the same time so people in the community can see that the health and care system is here for them and we’re all working together. As we go into even more challenging times in the NHS, the more we can work together the better we’re able to serve all communities in Lambeth.”
Addressing myths and stigma
Dr Stephanie Hanson, from the British Caribbean Doctors and Dentists Association, delivered an informative presentation on preventing sexually transmitted infections, setting out steps people can take to avoid them, and addressing widespread myths and stigma about sex and sexual health. Dr Hanson said,
“Events like these are essential to give members of our community the information, skills and confidence to best look after their health and wellbeing. As healthcare workers, it’s important that we continue to reach out, engage and listen to our communities to improve health for all.”
Zadie (pictured), said it was an “excellent event: I had my blood pressure checked, had my eyes checked, good things to do to keep healthy.”
A chance for a check-up, and a reminder to act on symptoms
Participating GPs and other healthcare professionals urged those attending to speak to their GP practice if they notice any changes or symptoms that are unusual for them, even if they seem minor. They also reminded participants about the importance of screening and early diagnosis in preventing and detecting health issues to achieve the most timely intervention, better treatment outcomes and improved overall health.
Attending the event was Claudette, who was pleased to have the opportunity to talk to a range of healthcare staff:
“I suffer from high blood pressure, so a good idea to check it today to monitor the condition. Everything was explained to me, the procedure and the outcome, so a good experience”.
An important opportunity for services to reach people
Almost 30 stalls offered health and wellbeing information and checks. These included representation from King’s College Hospital, Lupus UK, NHS Blood and Transplant and Prostate Cancer UK.
Stall holders spoke of the benefits of taking part for them, including the opportunity to provide health education and promote preventative care to priority groups. Dusan Jovovic, Health Promotion Lead for bowel cancer screening at King’s College Hospital, said,
“These outreach events are important because people are much more comfortable to come and speak to us at these events than in hospital. It is also a great way to share information that people may not have been aware of. We’re grateful to have this opportunity to share very important health messages with communities in Lambeth.”
Building trust and confidence and influencing system change
Juliet Amoa, Associate Director, EDI Community Health and Engagement at Lambeth Council, and Co-Chair of Lambeth Together’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group, said,
“One of the reasons why Inspire is such an important event is because it is connected to a London-wide programme about supporting the health of Black Londoners, and making sure we are building trust and connecting people with healthcare professionals. It also gives the voluntary sector – who do so much prevention work – a positive platform to connect with people, address health needs and reduce health inequalities, amplifying the community’s voice to create whole system change.”
Lambeth Together Board members were on hand to talk to residents and hear what matters most to them about health and care in Lambeth, recording feedback on postcards that will be shared at a future board meeting.
The Black Communities Health and Wellbeing event supports Lambeth Together’s aim to improve health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities for people in Lambeth through an integrated health and care system. Read more about our work: www.lambethtogether.net