Session held to improve health inequalities faced by South Asian women

NHS local care organisations and Northern Care Alliance, NHS Foundation Trust organised the session, designed to improve health inequalities faced by South Asian women

An interactive and informative health seminar promoting women’s health and health care in the community was recently held at Deeplish Community Centre.

NHS local care organisations and Northern Care Alliance, NHS Foundation Trust organised the session, designed to improve health inequalities faced by South Asian women.

The session was delivered by research ambassador Dr Stuart Stewart, who was the main speaker, and Tariq Mohammed, BAME staff network lead and senior clinical coder at Northern Care Alliance.

Dr Stuart said: “We supported participants to improve knowledge and confidence about community health and community clinical services available, and how also to look after their health and enjoy healthier, happier, active and independent lives for longer.”

35 women attended, with seven signing up to a genes and health study, and more enrolling for a ‘research for the future’ project. This was a joint education and research session for the hard-to-reach group of women, talking about common women’s health conditions, as well as how to get involved in valuable research.

Tariq said: “We were pleased with the participation, interest and questions from audiences in relation to health and care.”

Sohail Ahmad, operations manager at Deeplish Community Centre, said: “In delivering this seminar we used our bilingual and expert community engagement approach, worked with public health experts, specialists, volunteers and staff to connect with the community and raise awareness about women’s health and services offered within NHS. 

“We have received positive and encouraging feedback from participants and this seminar was delivered through clinical professional input as well delivered in culturally appropriate settings.

“We aim to continue providing wellbeing and health seminars in community settings in order to raise awareness in our neighbourhoods.”