Building trust in the Bangladeshi community

North East London continues to engage and build trust with the local Bangladeshi population through community events. The latest event - Eid Health Mela - took place on a Thursday 10 April at the Sundial Community Centre in Bethnal Green.

The venue was appropriately named given the sunny weather, and the event saw an impressive number of local residents through the doors, filling the venue to capacity - and beyond! Although mainly from the Bangladeshi community, there were people of all ages and from a diverse range of backgrounds (reflecting our very diverse population in north east London).

North East London was there to talk about cancer signs and symptoms and life-saving cancer screening programmes, as well as local cancer support services. The event didn't disappoint, with a constant stream of visitors to their information stand.

Paul Thomas, Communications and Engagement Manager for North East London Cancer Alliance, explains: "Events like this, working closely with our amazing partners such as London Bangladeshi Health Partnership and Bangla Housing, help us build trust within local communities, which is so important in achieving health equity.

"We had so many people asking about cancer that we handed out the entire stock of information leaflets and materials that we had brought with us, which is a fantastic result. The aim is that this will encourage more conversations in the home, meaning more people come forward for life-saving cancer tests and treatment."

In total, the team spoke to well over 100 residents in the space of only a couple of hours. As well as finding out about cancer, local residents also had the chance to speak with other local services, such as bowel screening, diet and nutrition advice, health checks, vaccinations and stop smoking services.

More events are planned over the coming months. If you are interested in finding out more or would like the cancer alliance to come along to one of your events, please contact us via our contact form: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/contact