Black History Month: celebrating culture and addressing health inequalities in Lambeth
As Black History Month is here, Lambeth Together reflects on the rich contributions of Black individuals to health and wellbeing in Lambeth, while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done to address ongoing health inequalities.
Around Lambeth, communities are celebrating Black culture and taking proactive steps to bring health support directly into the heart of Lambeth.
And throughout the month, we’ll be sharing stories on X (formerly Twitter) championing Black NHS staff and highlighting the work they’re doing to tackle health inequalities in south east London.
Di Aitken, co-chair of the Lambeth Together Partnership Board and also the Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Working Group, said: “We’re committed to reducing health inequalities for people with severe mental illness, and chronic conditions like respiratory disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic pain, cancer and HIV.
“We’re proud to share these upcoming community events that celebrate Black culture and simultaneously provide health and wellbeing support, particularly for communities where disparities persist. These events are as much about celebration as they are bringing health services to the forefront, improving access to care, and fostering community connections.”
Celebrate culture and community health this Black History Month
Black History Month: Wellbeing and Peace Day
Date: Friday 11 October
Time: 1pm to 4pm
Location: South Lambeth Library
Booking: free, book online
For people who live with chronic pain, is a carer or knows someone with chronic pain, facilitated by the PEACS Programme. A celebration of wellbeing, peace, and heritage with wellbeing, with craft activities, live music and more.
PrEPared for the future: empowering Black women through HIV awareness
Date: Sunday 13 October 2024
Time: 2 to 6pm
Location: Omnibus Theatre, 1 Clapham Common North Side London SW4 0QW
Booking: free, for Black Women Only. Book online.
In partnership between three organisations led by Black Women: Black Thrive Lambeth, Africa Advocacy Foundation and The Youth Involvement and Engagement Lab. Learn about the latest advancements in HIV prevention, including PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). A friendly team of PrEP advocates will host you over a free Caribbean lunch to discuss wellbeing, relationships and share why Black women should be talking more about PrEP.
The Black Men’s Consortium performance events
Date: Saturday 26 October
Time: 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm
Location: Streatham Library, SW16 1PN
Booking: free, book online
Led by the Black Men’s Consortium, a community-led exploration arts and health project in which Black men of African Descent meet to experience positive and meaningful interactions and
discuss issues that matter to them.
These community engagement events immerse you in film, interactivity, debate and include improvisation. With a fantastic cast of performers, these interactive events force you to consider
the sometimes-uneasy question of ‘what is needed to improve the lives of Black men in the UK?’
Black History Month and Diwali Celebration
Date: Thursday, 31 October
Time: 10am to 1pm
Location: St Stephen’s Children’s Centre, Meadow Place, SW8 1XY
Booking: free, just turn up
A family event celebrating family and diversity, brought to you by Thriving Stockwell, StockWellBeing PCN, First 5 Lambeth and St Stephen’s Children’s Centre.
Bollywood dance workshop, cultural food, face painting, arts and crafts, Lambeth Together Health and Wellbeing Bus, get advice on staying healthy and winter vaccines and more.
Why is this important to Lambeth Together?
In Lambeth, Black communities continue to face higher rates of long term conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and chronic pain, as well as challenges in accessing healthcare services. These are issues that we’re committed to addressing in our Health and Care Plan.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Working Group aims to find ways to reduce health inequalities in Lambeth. See some examples of the EDI work we do as a partnership.
Follow @Lambeth_Together for more local health priorities and to hear about what we’re doing to tackle health inequalities in Lambeth.