Over 140 adults and children from diverse communities and backgrounds across south Essex came together at a special event to learn how health research can help everyone live healthier lives.
On Thursday 30 October, NHS Mid and South Essex’s Research Engagement Network (REN) hosted a health research event at the MegaCentre in Rayleigh. This community event aimed to make health research easier to understand and help underserved and seldom-heard communities get involved – including people whose voices aren’t always heard.
When more communities take part and share their experiences in local and national health research, it helps ensure medicines, treatments and services are more inclusive and work better for everyone.
We want everyone to have the same opportunities to lead healthy lives, no matter where they live or who they are. Working with our communities and partners across Essex means we can give people better chances to take care of their health and make healthcare more relevant.
Dr Sophia Morris, System Clinical Lead for Health Inequalities at NHS Mid and South Essex
We’ve been working with NHS Mid and South Essex to give our community members an opportunity to better understand their health needs, access services and help shape future provision by engaging in critical research that is looking at the needs of specific community groups. This event had a real family and community feel and our members benefited from the health checks and understanding why research is critical – all whilst having fun!
Jebin Syeda from Thrive Together
Attendees also enjoyed a range of activities including free soft play, laser tag and refreshments while benefiting from free health checks including flu vaccinations and blood pressure tests.
I’m self-employed so I work long hours and don’t often have time to see a GP or go to hospital. While my children were playing and enjoying themselves, I could have a free blood pressure check.
Abdul Chowdhury from Southend-on-Sea was a visitor at the event.
Health research studies focused on Improving Black Health Outcomes (IBHO), how genetics and environment shape children’s health through Children and Young People’s Health Resource (D-CYPHR), and helping to uncover genetic insights to improve treatments via the Vision and Eye Research Institute (ARU).
Community groups including Thrive Together, the Multicultural Essex Women Association (MEWA), Signpost, Trust Links and LOKOJ Bangla were invited to the event. Attendees could also speak to organisations including Healthwatch, Essex Council for Voluntary Youth Services, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
Health outcomes in action
In addition to research, this event brought health services out into the community. The NHS East of England community vaccination van provided 37 free flu vaccinations outside the MegaCentre, including to all members of the local Rayleigh Men’s Shed group. Local pharmacists were also on hand from Community Pharmacy Essex, providing free health checks, blood pressure checks and flu vaccinations.
Events like these are useful as they help people see what healthcare is available to them, as they are not necessarily aware of what Community Pharmacy can offer.
On the day, the team did 20 blood pressure checks and identified two patients who required further monitoring. The team also delivered some flu vaccinations. This event has shown how Community Pharmacy can help people who normally may not have access to healthcare.
Bhavesh Patel, Pharmacist at Audley Mills Pharmacy in Rayleigh
If you’re a member of a community group and would like to find out more, email: [email protected].
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