SHERO project empowers Lambeth women to take charge of their health
On Saturday March 15 2025, Lambeth Town Hall was abuzz with energy and excitement as the SHERO event unfolded, dedicated to reclaiming Black women’s and family health. The event brought together a vibrant community of attendees, speakers, and performers, all united by a common goal: to empower and educate about sexual and reproductive health in the Black community.
The SHERO initiative is a six-month project, launched in October 2024. It was set up to highlight and reduce sexual and reproductive health inequalities for Black women in Lambeth through community activities and creating open, inclusive conversations about sexual and reproductive wellness. The event in March was the third community event in the series with over 500 attendees. As part of the wider health checks, 19 people took on the spot HIV tests were carried out in private spaces.
In addition to the community events, smaller peer support sessions, led by community champions, took place across the six months across the borough. Engagement with Black heritage communities will continue and be led by the new Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham sexual health outreach programme, which has been commissioned across the partner boroughs for the next two years.
Karen Mathieu, Senior Commissioning Officer and Project Lead said: “Events and projects like these are critical in giving Black women and their families a space to come together, learn, share, and celebrate their strength and resilience. Through SHERO we’re successfully reaching more Black women in Lambeth, providing them with crucial information, and empowering them to take control of their health and wellbeing.”
The event began with a Gospel Choir performance, setting a positive tone for the day. Informative presentations followed, covering topics such as sexual health, sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, hormonal health in Black women, and reproductive health.
Highlights included Dr. Stephanie Hanson’s session on STI prevention, Fabiola Bayavuge’s condom demonstration, and Susan Cole’s presentation on HIV and violence against women. A panel discussion addressed barriers to accessing sexual health services in the Black community. Information stalls from Red Ribbon Living Well, Lambeth HealthWatch, MacMillan Cancer Support, Age Concern, and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Hospital Trust sexual health services were also present.
The event also celebrated 14 community volunteers who became SHERO community champions, hosting local groups to continue the conversation. Volunteers were honoured with certificates at a graduation ceremony:
While feedback gathering is ongoing, initial responses have been overwhelmingly positive. Attendees praised the vibrant community atmosphere, clear communication, and engaging activities. Here are a few comments received by attendees:
“Very engaging speakers – very important topics. Inspiring to hear work being done.”
“Extremely useful, engaging speakers who weren’t afraid to answer questions. Looking forward to future events.”
“I learned a lot about PCOS, endometriosis and fibroids. Brilliant talk and event.”
Find out more
If you’d like to get involved, or find out more about the project, please email: connect@shero.london
Get support
To find out more about the sexual health services and support available to Lambeth residents, visit Lambeth Council’s sexual health pages.
A Lambeth Together priority
We’re working in partnership across the NHS, the Council, local organisations and residents to deliver local and modern sexual health services that meet needs, respond to challenges and support people to live healthily. Learn more about our Sexual Health Programme.
We also strive to work together to reduce unfair and avoidable differences in health between different groups of people within our community. Read more about equality, diversity and inclusion.