Croydon residents had the benefit of a free health check at an event hosted by Croydon BME Forum as part of Black History Month.
The health checks at their Wellness Hub in the Whitgift Centre included blood pressure checks, fast HIV screening and sexual health advice.
Over 30 Croydon residents attended the Forum’s health check day that offered free screenings and wellness workshops and raised awareness of health challenges within Black communities.
Beyond the health checks, attendees could join expert-led sessions on lung health, chronic kidney disease, and on the Ethnicity in Mental Health Improvement Project.
Talks also featured advice from local physiotherapists on preventing injury and managing chronic conditions.
The roving vaccination team from NHS South West London also joined, to share information about winter vaccinations and answer any questions that people had. The team also offered people the opportunity to have either a Covid-19 or flu vaccination if eligible.
Celebrating Black History Month
Black History Month offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the contributions and influence of people of African and Caribbean backgrounds.
Clare Blankson, the Long-Term Conditions Coordinator at Croydon BME forum, said: “We wanted to bring together diverse topics to cover a range of health issues, from your kidneys, to your lungs, to bone health.
“The aim was to cover topics the BME community may not be too familiar with. It was an opportunity, too, for organisations and community leaders to also learn about these health topics and to connect with one another.”
The day also included a quiz, raffle, and free lunch to help residents relax, connect, and spark health-focused conversations.
It’s about providing a safe space for people to talk to people who look like them. Events like today provide people with the information they need to help open conversations.”
Croydon BME Forum’s Black History Month events celebrate the pride, history and diversity of the Black community in Croydon
Lisa Broderick, Core20 Plus5 Community Connector with Croydon BME Forum, highlighted the importance of holding these events during Black History Month.
She said: “It’s about providing a safe space for people to talk to people who look like them. Events like today provide people with the information they need to help open conversations.”
Lisa added: “When health and care professionals come to our events, who are experts in the topic such as chronic kidney disease, people will want to attend and engage with them.”