Cancer awareness at the Bangladeshi Health Mela

North East London Cancer Alliance was pleased to join The Bangladeshi Health Mela, another brilliant community event to keep the conversations about cancer going.

This informative and engaging health and wellbeing event took place at Redbridge Library on Tuesday 4 November and provided lots of opportunities to speak to local residents, particularly from Bengali communities, helping to raise awareness of cancer signs and symptoms.

InHeath, who deliver the breast screening service in Redbridge, were also on hand to encourage local women to attend their life-saving breast screening appointments and provide some top tips about this free service.

Paul Thomas, Communications and Engagement Lead for North East London Cancer Alliance, was on the cancer alliance information stall and said "We spoke to many local residents about cancer signs and symptoms and cancer screening programmes.

“I've really noticed a change as we do more of these events - more and more people are speaking about cancer than ever before. People are keen to understand how and when to get checked, which is really encouraging and shows how working directly with local communities is making a big difference in supporting early diagnosis.

"It was also my first time ever playing Carrom Board and I must have had beginner's luck, as I scored with my first go! A big thank you to everyone involved in putting on such a fantastic event."

Listen to Paul explain the importance of attending these events: https://youtube.com/shorts/S2A5afyJh2Q?feature=share

As well as information stalls (and Carrom Board!), there were a number of excellent, engaging presentations. The event covered vital topics such as:

✅ Diabetes, oral health, stop smoking and mental health support

✅ Health checks and flu jabs

✅ Cancer signs and symptoms and cancer screening programmes

✅ Reducing health inequalities and supporting local communities

✅ Physical exercise

✅ Connecting with local services such as Redbridge Welfare Benefits, Employment Support, Citizens Advice, Tackling Poverty Team and more!

Many partners came together to deliver this event, including London Bangladeshi Health Partnership, Redbridge Council, Voice4Change England, Bangla Housing Association and the NHS.

The event, which attracted around 140 residents, shows what can be achieved through local organisations working in partnership together. Increased cancer awareness – along with equitable support and access to care – is really improved by coming to events such as these, as they provide invaluable insight into the challenges the local population is facing so that improvements can be made.

North East London Cancer Alliance continues to attend community events and is keen to hear from anyone interested in having them along to talk to residents about cancer.

Watch a summary of the event from North East London Cancer Alliance and from London Borough of Redbridge.