Summer Health Mela

At the end of May, a Summer Health Mela was held in East Ham with our Bangladeshi community. Ninety-five adults and around 30 children attended the event, creating a positive and supportive energy. Residents were able to visit different stalls and interact with various professionals and community advocates about their health and wellbeing. The event was really inclusive – adults got their BMI measured, for example, whilst children were playing with games. The event was organised by the Bangla Housing Association in partnership with the London Bangladeshi Health Partnership and NHS England.

Organisations had been carefully selected by the Bangladeshi community as being most relevant to meet their health needs. For example, Genes and Health, the world’s largest community-based study of genetics and health in British Bangladeshis and British Pakistanis, provided information and opportunities for residents to sign up to participate in their database. Over 100,000 people contribute to their research which is finding better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat conditions like diabetes and heart disease which disproportionally affect these communities. More information about their work can be found here.

The team from Woodgrange Medical Practice attended to promote prevention and early detection. The team delivered 55 blood pressure checks and 46 residents had a blood glucose check which monitors sugar levels, helping diagnose and monitor diabetes. 11 of the blood glucose checks showed an abnormal result requiring diabetes medication review. All 11 residents were supported to make appointments with their local General Practitioner for a review. The Summer Health Mela is a reminder that community health and wellbeing events play a vital role in improving public health and strengthening local connections. They offer accessible, practical health support in welcoming, trusted environments often reaching people who may not engage with traditional healthcare services.