HIGHLIGHTS
Beacon Programme lead:
Food thinkers with the Centre for Food Policy and the BBC Food Programme
Dr. Chi-Chi Ekhator, Programme Lead of the AT Beacon Project, participated in the Food Thinkers Webinar in May at the Centre for Food Policy, where she explored addressing health inequalities through a new healthcare model that promotes fruit and vegetable prescriptions. The session was moderated by Centre Director, Professor Christina Vogel.
A key focus of the webinar was the successful completion of Phase I of the Lambeth fruit and vegetable prescription initiative, which aided 54 participants diagnosed with high blood pressure and facing socioeconomic challenges by providing them with fruit and vegetable vouchers over an average period of 18 to 24 months
In addition, Dr. Chi-Chi took part in the British Library's food season event, highlighting prominent women making significant contributions to the food industry. This event was hosted by Sheila Dillon, the BBC Radio 4 Food Programme presenter, along with Professor Christina Vogel and Leah Ndegwa, a public health advocate.
The conversation revolved around addressing issues, sharing personal experiences, and discussing actionable strategies to eliminate food insecurity in the UK, ensuring that everyone has consistent access to sufficient, affordable, safe, and nutritious food.
Lambeth Country Show
The Beacon team was fully represented at the summer country show, offering blood pressure checks, eye health assessments, kidney health evaluations, general health and nutritional advice, and referrals to other social services in the borough.
Launching of Our SW9 Outreach Hub
In June 2024, we opened our SW9 outreach Hub in Stockwell to broaden our services for Brixton area residents. Since its inception, we have experienced remarkable success and received positive feedback from all our service users.
Inspire Event
The Beacon team, fully equipped, was present to offer medical and wellness support to the Lambeth Together team. The day was marked with enjoyable activities, music, food, and networking, celebrating the black communities in Lambeth.
Celebrating Community Shop West Norwood @ 10
As the saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words!” Our strategic vision aims to connect with people wherever they may be. That’s why the Beacon team, along with representatives from our partners, Impact on Urban Health and Lambeth Council Public Health, attended the 10th anniversary of the community shop in West Norwood. We provided medical and well-being support to demonstrate how and why we excel at tackling health inequalities in Lambeth.
Wellness Saturday at The Black Farmers' Market
Our ability to build trust and address inequalities in underserved communities is limitless! On a hot and sunny Saturday afternoon, the Beacon team provided wellness and healthcare services to the community in the heart of Brixton. The atmosphere was cool and inviting, with pleasant music accompanying the lively ambience of Brixton Market. The team offered complimentary blood pressure screenings, eye health assessments, and nutritional and general well-being advice to the delighted customers who visited us at the market.
SW9 Summer Community Fair
The Slade Gardens SW9 summer community fair featured numerous fun activities, such as traditional drumming, an animal petting zoo, slime-making, and an ice cream van. Clinicians and volunteers from the Beacon team, led by Rev. Les Isaac, promoted health and wellness in Lambeth, regardless of the weather. The event was graced by Lambeth's Mayor, John Paul Ennis, along with local residents and members of Ekaya Housing.
Indeed, hard work pays
Dr. Chi-Chi Ekhator, head of the AT Beacon Programme, secured the Health and Social Care Award at the Zenith Global Award ceremony in September. Furthermore, Ascension Trust was honoured with a Certificate of Achievement in recognition of its team’s outstanding commitment and contribution to excellence in healthcare.
The Lambeth Fruit and Vegetable on Prescription Programme
Phase II of the Lambeth Fruit and Vegetable on Prescription Programme launched in October with 50 participants. This initiative supports individuals with underlying health conditions in adopting healthier lifestyles by providing weekly fruit and vegetable vouchers.
Each week, participants visit our hubs to collect their prescribed vouchers and receive blood pressure checks from our nursing and healthcare team. All 50 participants were given a starter pack that included our unique ‘Be Right Bag’, filled with dietary and nutritional guides, health promotion materials, an Eatwell plate, and miniature items to serve as reminders to stay hydrated and maintain healthy eating habits.
Feedback received so far has been truly overwhelming, with participants calling the LFVP initiative a “lifesaver.”
Themed Monthly Health Promotion Interventions
The AT Beacon Project organised a series of impactful themed health promotion activities in the fourth quarter, aimed at enhancing individual and community well-being across our hubs. Each month featured a specific health promotion message and associated interventions, as outlined below:
October: Cancer Screening Awareness and Mental Health Awareness
November: Prostate Cancer Awareness and Suicide Prevention
December: Diabetes Risk Awareness
Our service users received health education from our healthcare team and were provided with health promotion materials to enhance their understanding and awareness of the topics discussed. Additionally, they were referred to their GPs and Primary Care Networks (PCNs) for health checks and were signposted to various services provided by Lambeth Council.
Loyalty Card
Our Loyalty Card Program (LCP) was introduced in November and has received tremendous uptake and positive feedback from our service users. The LCP aims to motivate and encourage participants to engage with our range of health and well-being services, including health advice, mental health support conversations, blood pressure checks, and well-being surveys.
Additionally, the LCP has a broader goal of tracking the progress and success of participants who return. Participants receive a monthly stamp on their card for six months, and those who remain consistent throughout this period will receive a reward at the end.
Outreaches
In the fourth quarter, we organised several outreach events, detailed below:
In October, the Beacon team visited St. Mark's Church Oval to celebrate Black History Month.
This outreach provided community members with valuable health advice and the opportunity to engage directly with healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, Beacon Ambassadors, eye specialists from Moorfields Hospital, researchers, and kidney health specialists from the NIHR.
In November, the Beacon team held another comprehensive outreach at St. John's Church in Angell Town, Brixton. Parishioners were able to have their blood pressure checked, consult with our team of healthcare professionals, and interact with various health specialists.
W.I.P.E It Out Campaign Launch
We launched our newest campaign, W.I.P.E It Out (Wash, Indoors, Protect, Eat Well), in December. This campaign aims to help prevent winter illnesses, particularly among the elderly. The team kicked off the launch at two key locations in Lambeth: Apostolic Church All Nations Centre in Kennington and St. John’s Church in Angell Town, Brixton. We provided training for community leaders and their communities to assist them in implementing the W.I.P.E. It Out initiative.
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