The free health event gave attendees an opportunity to get their Covid vaccine, including spring boosters, and get their blood pressure checked by the NHS Outreach Team.
Kathleen Sheridan, the centre’s manager said the day was a fantastic success, “People are so pleased to be get back out and see each other again. We are delighted to have gone into partnership with Irish in Britain and other organisations to do this for the Irish community, there is definitely a need for it.”
Attendees had a chance to meet with local health supports including Macmillan Cancer Support, Mind Mental Health, Footwork’s, Bowel Cancer Screening, London Ambulance Service, and International Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan Federation.
Janet Clarke on the Macmillan stall emphasised how important it is to go out into the community rather than waiting for people to come and access services. To emphasise the need for such outreach she reported that “Every second person who has come to talk to me has had a diagnosis of cancer”.
Niyah Drummonds and Chanise Campbell from NHS south London were raising awareness about bowel cancer and talked about the importance of overcoming taboos in many communities, saying “Early conversations save lives”.
Dawn Atkinson, Mayoress of Lewisham, who was working with the NHS team, said “One of the real beauty of days like this is that it draws everyone together, so important to see people in the community to keep them fit and well.”
Some of our local member organisations also came along including Irish Community Services, London Irish Centre, and Southwark Traveller Action Group. The local London Fire station also sent a team of Firefighters to raise awareness of fire safety. While they were there, they also had their own blood pressure checked.
It was great to see attendees showing a keen interest in the work that all these local organisations do for their community.
Refreshments and exercise tasters were also available to all which included Pilates and chair-based exercises. The day was a great success with over 70 people attending.
Irish in Britain’s Health Development Officer said, “Many thanks to everyone who came along! It’s great to see local organisations working together towards a healthier Irish community in Britain. I hope to follow up with similar events with other member groups in the coming months.”
#Vaccine Le Chéile/Together