The Derby West Indian Community Association is running a one year Public Health Pilot Project, looking at health issues around the African Caribbean Community. The aim is to tackle and address the needs and issues of health and social care affecting the African Caribbean Community across the City of Derby. We will be running a number of health awareness sessions along with four large events around common health issues identified by Public Health, such as Diabetes, Cancer, Cardiovascular and Mental Health issues. Fortnightly meetings take place at the Derby West Indian Community Centre to plan events and to encourage individuals to become Health Promoters.

On 26th June 2013, the first of the four large Health Promotion events was held, focusing on Diabetes with a presentation by Dipti Patel from Diabetes UK. A number of other Health Professionals were in attendance; Nurses—TB Specialist from Royal Derby Hospital, Action for the Blind, Nurses from Derby Access Centre, carrying out Blood Pressure checks and other NHS Specialists. There were over 60 people in attendance.

On Saturday 28th September 2013, the second Health Promotion event took place in the Centre; focusing on Cancer, with a presentation by Amanda Fry from MacMillan Support with over 48 people in attendance. The presentation was extremely informative and was appreciated by all who attended.

The third large Health Promotion event is planned for Saturday 30th November 2013, focusing on Cardiovascular Disease (Heart) with the fourth and last event being held on Saturday 22nd February 2014 where the discussion will be around Mental Health.

Thanks to members of the “Health Promoters” group for their contribution in planning and helping at each event. Come and join DWICA Health Promoters. Please contact Nezrine Hudson (01332 371529) for further information.