Health News July 2009
A head for business
A Hackney-based charity has raised £400 towards its funds by selling its own handmade goods.
Volunteers and service users from Headway East London, made jewellery, plaques, mirrors and cards, which they sold at their first pitch in Spitalfields Market, E1, in June.
It proved so successful it is hoped they can go back every two months, with the next visit due at the end of August.
The charity, based in Kingsland Road, E2, supports people living with the long-term consequences of brain injury.
The market provided the stall free of charge to Headway members and volunteers.
Headway East London arts co-ordinator Michelle Carlile said: “The stall was a great success. The members had a good time making and selling their arts and crafts to people, and raising awareness about Headway East London.
“It was a great opportunity for members to engage with the local community, and we look forward to running another stall later in the summer. A big thank you to Spitalfields Market and especially to Eric Graham, stall manager, for the support he gave us.”
More information
Call: 020 7749 7790; or visit: www.headwayeastlondon.org
Raising prostate awareness
Prostate Cancer Charity wants to recruit African-Caribbean volunteers in Hackney to raise awareness of the condition in their community.
According to experts, black men are three times more likely to develop the illness than their white counterparts.
It is hoped that black men and women joining the charity’s Older and Wiser campaign can help spread the word.
Sarah Toule, the charity’s African-Caribbean communities project manager, said: “We need men and women from the community to come forward to help us raise awareness of prostate cancer to help us overcome this cultural issue so that men can start taking responsibility for their health.”
Volunteer John Thorne, 68, joined the campaign as a volunteer after being tested for prostate cancer last year. His doctor found there were potential problems but that they were not at a dangerous stage.
John said: “It’s better to get checked out because the longer you leave it, the worse it gets.”
More information
To volunteer call Sarah Toule on: 020 8222 7149; or email olderandwiser@prostate-cancer.org.uk; for general information call the helpline on: 0800 074 8383.
Looking to offer more Choice
An organisation run mainly by and for disabled people is appealing for volunteers.
Choice in Hackney, based in St Leonard’s Hospital, aims to help disabled people live independently and make choices about their own lives. It is recruiting volunteers that it can team up with its service users.
Volunteers will spend time with disabled people supporting them with day-to-day activities such as shopping and going out, depending on individual needs.
Volunteer co-ordinator Jakub Rajewicz said: “Some disabled people are isolated and lonely and just need someone to talk to. Some of them need more practical support such as assistance when they want to go out.”
No previous experience is required but volunteers need to be 18 or over, able to give two hours a week of their time and commit for six to 12 months.
Jakub added: “This project aims to enable disabled people to improve their lives and volunteers to do something positive. It will be hugely rewarding to help an individual who really needs it. Volunteers will also develop their skills and gain experience of caring for someone and of disability issues.”
For information, or to volunteer call Jakub on: 020 7613 3206; or email: volunteering@choiceinhackney.org
Kick yourself into shape
A new league in Hackney hopes that its offer of free football strips to new sides will encourage more teams to get their kit on and get into shape.
Until the end of July, Prostar Leagues will buy kits worth £100 for new entrants who join its Mabley Green and Clapton tournaments as the upcoming football season begins.
The league has three divisions, each with eight teams, and a system of promotion and relegation.
An exclusive Prostar National Cup will also be available to teams playing in the regional league.
There is no registration fee required to play in the FA affiliated tournament, although each match requires a contribution of £26 from teams. Qualified officials, referees and full equipment such as balls and bibs are provided. For more info call: 0845 300 8886 or visit: www.prostarleagues.net
Day of sporting summer fun
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Disabled people of all ages and abilities, their family, carers and friends are invited to enjoy a day of sporting fun. The free event is being held as part of the Hackney Disability Open Day at Stoke Newington West Reservoir Centre, N4, on 19 July from 10am-4pm. The open day, one of three scheduled at Hackney leisure centres this year, aims to inspire disabled people of all ages and abilities across the borough to try out new sports; and come together with family and carers. |
Activities will include canoeing, outdoor athletics, wheelchair basketball, archery, multi-skills, dance, boccia, soft play, a sensory quiet room, and arts and crafts. Cllr Guy Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: “The Council is committed to encouraging more people of all abilities to try out a new sport.”
More information
For further details call: 020 7014 7000; or visit: www.gll.org
Vote for a musical marvel
Residents have until 10 July to vote for Headway East London, which has been shortlisted in the annual search for the UK’s favourite National Lottery funded project.
The brain injury charity, based in Kingsland Road, E2, was awarded £10,000 by the National Lottery last year for its music therapy project Music Makes the World Go Round.
The money was used to employ part-time, trained music therapist Alex Street, and to buy instruments.
Music Makes the World Go Round is entered in the best arts category.
Chosen from more than 500 projects, Headway East London has now reached the semi-final stages.
Chief Executive Miriam Lantsbury said: “The awards are a great opportunity to spread the word about what we do - we’re really hoping people get behind us and vote.”
If it is chosen, people taking part in the music therapy project will appear on a BBC1 show on a date to be fixed. The charity joins St John at Hackney Churchyard Gardens, which has also been shortlisted in the best heritage project category.
More information
To vote for Headway East London call: 0844 686 1624; and for St John at Hackney call: 0844 686 8775; or visit: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards
Influencing health care
Elections are due to take place for the first time to find 13 people to join an independent steering group that influences how healthcare is delivered in the borough.
Hackney Local Involvement Network (LINk) is totally independent of the Council and NHS.
Anyone who lives in the borough or uses health or adult social care services is eligible to become a member of LINk. The election will take place by postal vote, and the count is on 21 July.
Chairperson Shirley Murgraff said: “Our elections are an opportunity, both exciting and challenging, for Hackney citizens to help make the buzz words ‘patient and public involvement’ a reality. On the ground, at decision-making levels, and where it matters for improving adult health and social care services in Hackney.”
For more info call: 020 7275 2743; or visit: www.hackneylink.org.uk
A new route into nursing
Students who want to pursue a career in nursing will now have a helping hand thanks to a new partnership between Hackney Community College (HCC) and City University London.
HCC, along with four other London colleges, has signed a unique agreement that allows students to move more easily from access diploma courses and Certificates of Higher Education to studying adult nursing at City University London’s School of Community and Health Sciences.
Representatives from HCC, Tower Hamlets, Lambeth, City and Islington, Kensington & Chelsea, and Birkbeck attended an event in June at City University London to sign the agreement.
The aim is to increase the number of students in Higher Education from under-represented groups, to ensure the NHS workforce reflects the diversity of people who use the service.The agreement was brought about with help from Linking London, a network that promotes life-long learning.
For more information about courses call: 0207 613 9123; or visit: www.tcch.ac.uk
For info adult nursing courses at City University London visit: www.city.ac.uk
Page updated: 15 Jun 2010
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