Community health event helps Lewisham’s Latin American residents access vital health services
More than 30 local residents attended a community health event held at St Saviour’s Catholic Church in Lewisham on Sunday Sept 6th, bringing essential health information, screening and support directly into the heart of the local Latin American community.
The event was organised by the Indoamerican Refugee and Migrant Organisation (IRMO) in partnership with the South East London Cancer Alliance (SELCA), with support provided in both Spanish and Portuguese to help overcome some of the language and cultural barriers that can prevent residents from accessing healthcare services.
Working alongside Macmillan Cancer Champions from Age UK, CAHN and NAZ from the LSL Sexual Health Alliance, partners offered a range of free health checks and advice. Residents were able to access information about cancer screening programmes, HIV rapid testing, blood pressure and blood glucose checks, healthy weight assessments, and support with GP registration.
The event highlighted the value of delivering healthcare services in trusted community settings, making it easier for residents to seek advice, ask questions and access preventative health services in an environment where they feel comfortable and supported.
Dr Esther Appleby, Clinical Lead for Cancer at SEL ICB (Lewisham), said:
“Events such as this demonstrate the importance of taking healthcare into our communities and ensuring support is delivered in a way that is accessible, inclusive and culturally appropriate. By working with trusted local organisations such as IRMO, we can help more residents understand the services available to them, access potentially life-saving screening programmes, and receive advice and support that improves their long-term health and wellbeing”.
The strong turnout and positive engagement from residents reinforced the importance of partnership working between healthcare organisations, voluntary and community sector partners, and local community groups. Organisers hope the success of the event will help inform future outreach initiatives designed to reduce health inequalities and improve access to preventative healthcare among underserved communities across Lewisham.
The event forms part of ongoing efforts across South East London to improve early diagnosis, increase screening uptake and ensure that all residents, regardless of language, background or circumstances, can access the healthcare services they need.
