News
» Covid-19 vaccine - community briefing and Q&A, Thursday 28 Jan, 2021, 19:30-20:30
This event will provide you with an opportunity to have your concerns and questions about the Covid-19 vaccine discussed and addressed. We particularly want to hear from leaders and faith groups from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. This is our second community event which are designed to answer your questions and help enable you to share information within your network to keep your communities updated and safe.
» Public message on the national booking system for COVID vaccinations
Letters inviting residents to register for an appointment at large vaccination centres have now started to be sent out by the national booking service to people in the first priority groups. The letters invite people to log onto the national booking system or call a national number to book their appointment at a centre within 45 minutes of their home address.
» The COVID-19 Vaccine - Information Video (in English, Urdu and Bengali)
Dr Iram Sattar (GP & MWNUK Trustee) separates fact from fiction in this short video. Iram debunks the misinformation surrounding the newly established Covid-19 vaccine and encourages everyone to take the vaccine when offered!
» Getting the Coronavirus vaccine - a case study
Concia Albert, Westminster resident and Head of Social Prescribing at One Westminster relates her recent experience of getting the Coronavirus vaccine.
» Community Testing for Key workers with no symptoms (RBKC info)
Unable to work from home and have no Coronavirus symptoms. Get tested. You can now get a free rapid Community Test if you have no symptoms and are a key worker or are unable to work from home.
» Free Online Contraception
If you live in Westminster or Kensington and Chelsea and you’re over 16, you can order your free contraception and sexual health test online through SHL.uk London’s online sexual health service.
» Infographics about COVID-19 in multiple languages
The COVID-19 Infographics website contains infographics available to download to help summarise key points about COVID-19 in a variety of languages to get the right information, in an easy to understand format, to these communities.
» Symptom Free Coronavirus Testing in Westminster
You can now get tested for coronavirus even if you don’t have symptoms. Testing is the most effective way to control the spread of coronavirus. The symptom-free coronavirus testing sites will be open seven days a week. You do not need to book in order to get a test. Symptom-free coronavirus tests will be available at Little Venice Sports Centre and Westminster Cathedral Hall.
» Covid-19 and vaccination - what are your views? - SURVEY from Men's Health Forum
Being a man is a particular risk factor for developing more severe forms of COVID-19. So it's extremely important for men to protect themselves against the virus. As part of our work to support men's health during the current pandemic, we want to find out more about men's attitudes towards vaccination.
» Translations (in audio files) of Covid Alert London Very High
Audio files describing COVID Tier 3 restrictions are available to download in the following languages: Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, French, Kurdish, Portuguese, Somali, Spanish and Tigrinye.
» New flu videos and mythbusters - Arabic and Somali
Please see the following flu videos which have just been produced in Arabic, Somali and Polish and you can also download flu mythbuster information translated into Arabic and Somali.
» Grant Opportunities
Please see the following grant opportunities: Mayors Resilience Fund (up to 30,000), Civil Society Roots Incubator - a grant award and capacity building programme for equity focused community-led partnerships, Make London - Pitch for up to £50k to help crowdfund your community project, My London: Enabling Youth Social Action - capacity-building and funding support for organisations to collaborate and design borough wide social action pathways for young people.
» Chronic Asthma care project
Does your child suffer from chronic asthma where they need to use an inhaler pump everyday? The Race Equality Foundation is interested in talking to parents of African, Asian, Caribbean and other ethnic minority groups or young people to find out more about their experiences of asthma.
» Update on Flu Vaccination Uptake in North Kensington
The uptake of the flu vaccine in North Kensington still remains low and we’re concerned for vulnerable people in the community who may get seriously ill if they catch the flu. Our message is – it’s not too late. Please see the following two videos including one that tackles misinformation around the flu vaccine.
» Update of COVID-19 Test Centres in Westminster
Please see the latest updates regarding test centres in Westminster including newly available local COVID-19 testing without the need to book. Residents who may have been unable to book a test via the NHS can now call Westminster Connects on 020 7641 1222 and a testing slot will be booked on the their behalf and should be available within 24 hours of the resident calling in.
» Compassionate Communities Grant - Imperial Healthcare Charity
Compassionate Communities is a new Imperial Health Charity (IHC) funded grant initiative that seeks to help North-West London (NWL) communities who are adversely affected by COVID-19. It will do this by supporting organisations that have strong relationships with local people and are working closely with partners across the area.
» Update on NHS Flu vaccination programme for 2/3 year olds
All children aged 2 and 3 can have a free flu vaccine at their GP practice. The vaccine is usually given as a single painless spray squirted up the nose. This spray contains a highly processed from of porcine gelatine. The NHS are now able to offer an alternative to families who prefer not to have the nasal spray. Parents of 2/3year olds can request an injected flu vaccine for their child at their GP practice. This injected vaccine does NOT contain gelatine.
» Report of Joint Committee on Human Rights: Black people, racism, and human rights
Please download and see the House of Commons/ House of Lords Joint Committee on Human Rights report: Black people, racism, and human rights - including formal minutes relating to the report.
» Vulnerable CYP work- Red level - NYA guidance
View the summary of the key points to carry out work with vulnerable children and young people under the Red Level. The information is from the recent National Youth Agency webinar and provided national guidance.
» Talking to Children about Violent Incidents - info booklets in different languages
Westminster City Council has put together some booklets with information and tips to help parents talk to their children about violent incidents. These booklets are available in English, Arabic, Bengali (Sylheti), Kurdish and Somali.
» Call for Papers in 'Frontiers in Public Health'
The Impact of Migration and Resettlement on Health: Migration and displacement are growing phenomena globally that can affect the health and development of host countries. The overarching aim of this Research Topic is to advance the understanding of the complex interaction between migration and health by utilizing a range of disciplinary and methodological approaches. Frontiers in Public Health is calling out for submissions for this research. Please read on for further details.
» An Avoidable Crisis - review by Baroness Lawrence on the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
"In the early weeks of the Covid pandemic, as mounting evidence began to show that Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities were dying at a disproportionate rate, I was asked by the Leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer, to lead a review to investigate the reasons. It was immediately apparent that the impact on people’s health was inseparable from economic prospects and experiences of discrimination."
» St Charles Urgent Care Centre to temporarily re-open as pre-booked clinic
On Monday 26th October, St Charles Urgent Care Centre will re-open as a pre-bookable clinic. If you have a minor injury like minor scalds and burns, minor head injuries or abdominal pain and need same day urgent treatment, your GP or NHS 111 will be able to book you an appointment at St Charles Urgent Care Centre. The pre-booked clinic will be open Monday – Sunday, 8am – 6pm.
» NHS Test & Trace info videos in different languages
Westminster city council has published information videos on their Youtube channel on NHS Test & Trace. They have versions of this video in Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Kurdish Sorani, Portuguese, Somali and Tigrinya. The video explains the steps you should take if you do have symptoms.
» Coronavirus videos with latest advice - in different languages
Doctors of the World, in partnership with the Mayor of London, has produced motion graphic videos with key COVID-19 information for migrants living in the UK, including information on testing and wearing face masks. The videos are available in 11 priority community languages including Bengali, Traditional Chinese, Spanish and Portuguese.
» COVID-19 Translated Resources to support those with Dementia, their Carers, and families
Race Equality Foundation are pulling together a resource of translated materials on guidance and support to carers and families of those with Dementia on coronavirus The resources are available in a number of languages and can be accessed on their website.
» Tips and Wellbeing advice in 27 languages
Doctors of the World, in partnership with Thrive LDN, has produced wellbeing guidance to support migrant communities during COVID-19.titled “Six ways to improve your wellbeing”. Taking care of yourself is really important, especially in these challenging times. Follow these six simple steps to improve your mental health and wellbeing, and remember, you’re not alone – we’re all in this together. The guidance is available in 27 languages.
» Booklets on "Talking to your Children about Violent Incidents"
Witnessing, hearing or being involved in any violent or traumatic events can leave people in a state of confusion and fear. Children and young people, in particular, find it difficult to make sense of such experiences. The “Talking to your Children about Violent Incidents” booklet provides handy tips for parents, carers and other adults on how to initiate and sustain that conversation and support, along with details of some helpful services. (Booklet also available in Arabic, Somali, Bengali (Sylheti) and Kurdish (Sorani) languages.
» Information on Test and Trace for BME communities
The BME Health Forum has been funded by the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster City Council to run a project providing information to BME communities about the NHS Test and Trace service. We are working with 11 partners to reach 950 households where people are not fluent English speakers and may find it difficult to access information about the NHS Test and Trace service.
» Hereditary: A short documentary
Curious about the absence of black and minority ethnic voices on the theme of hereditary conditions, Yemisi Bokinni, a medical doctor by background with a degree in human genetics embarked on a year-long journey to find individuals and explore the dynamics of living with a hereditary condition from this perspective.
» Grant support available to families on lower incomes raising disabled children in England
Families with disabled children on lower incomes are being urged to apply for grants for essential items to make life easier during the ongoing crisis. The grants can be used to buy computers and play equipment as well as household items such as cookers and fridges.
» Addressing rumours about Covid-19 and hospital care for black, Asian and minority ethnic communities
Imperial College NHS Foundation Trust created a video in response to feedback from the BME Health Forum and members of local black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, where we learnt there is a strong sense of fear about coming to hospital and myths about hospital care for Covid-19 patients. The video was created to help dispel these rumours.
» 'Safe and high quality care - in a Covid-19 world' a short video from Imperial College Healthcare Trust
Imperial College Healthcare Trust continue to provide urgent and emergency care for all conditions - not only Covid-19. We are beginning to re-open our services, including routine elective procedures and surgery. In a short video presentation you can see important information about how they are keeping patients safe during the pandemic.
» COVID-19 and minority ethnic populations: new report
The South Asian Health Foundation (SAHF) partnered with the Centre for BME Health to produce the report on COVID-19 in Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic populations published last week.They have developed new recommendations to protect BAME communities from the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 that have been issued to help “close the gap” in health inequality.
» Working with NHS Imperial Healthcare Trust to improve services and trust for BME communities
In a short video presentation Nafsika Thalassis, Director of the BME Health Forum speaks about our work with NHS Imperial Healthcare Trust in responding to BME communities' concerns during the pandemic.
» Covid-19 testing reassurance for Asylum seekers and Refugees
Overseas visitors to England, including anyone living in the UK without permission, will not be charged for: testing for coronavirus (even if the test shows you do not have coronavirus); treatment for coronavirus. No immigration checks are needed if you only have testing or treatment for coronavirus.
» BAME communities’ responses to COVID-19, primary care and community wellbeing
Healthwatch Central West London is sharing results from their recent research, which highlights the health and wellbeing concerns of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities in Central West London: Our 2019 engagement: Insights from BAME Communities in CWL; The latest results from our ongoing COVID-19 engagement (COVID-19: Your Experience Matters), highlighting the responses from BAME individuals in Central West London; and our plans for continuing to engage with BAME communities over the coming months.
» NHS Test & Trace resources and Zoom training sessions
Useful resources available clarifying the NHS Test and Trace process for the community. Also, The Community Engagement Team from the Council are offering virtual Zoom sessions on COVID-19 Processes for the staff, volunteers, members and service users of charities, groups and organisations in the Westminster voluntary, community and faith sector. These 1-hour outreach sessions will focus on COVID-19 impact and symptoms, instructions on booking and getting a test, NHS Test & Trace service and more.
» Imperial College Healthcare: Short video 'Safe and high quality care - in a Covid-19 world'
Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has seen a significant reduction in ‘non-Covid-19’ urgent and emergency attendances. In response to feedback, especially from our BAME communities – of concerns about the safety of our hospitals in light of Covid-19. We’ve put together a short video to highlight the developments and changes we’ve made across our hospitals to ensure safe and high quality care for everyone.
» SURVEY: Impact of Covid–19 on people living with obesity.
Following on from ongoing work looking at the changing impact that COVID-19 is having on the way people live, Public Health England is interested in the impact of Covid–19 on people living with obesity. They are working with Dr Adrian Brown who is a Research Fellow and Specialist Dietitian at University College London to explore perceptions, attitudes and actions of people living with obesity to the COVID-19 outbreak.
» FEATURE: Al-Hasaniya's projects and services continuing throughout COVID-19
For over 35 years, Al Hasaniya Moroccan Women's Centre has been supporting Arabic speaking families and those from an Arabic background in the local community. Since the Covid-19 government imposed lock-down we have kept our services running to serve All of our vulnerable clients. We have made changes in the way we work to keep everyone safe by working remotely.
» FEATURE: WAND UK's Activities During the COVID-19 Pandemic Period
At the beginning of March, WAND UK started thinking about how to adjust and cope with the new situation brought on by the Coronavirus. We understand the impact of self-isolation on mental health and general wellbeing. To help people maintain their own wellbeing, WAND UK started offering their yoga and dance classes online, mental health support and befriending.over the phone and also food deliveries.
» A Parents Guide to Black Lives Matter
Resources, Activities, and Tips for Families to empower children to work towards racial equality. This resource covers topics such as: What is the Black Lives Matter Movement; How do I open a conversation with children on race and racism?; How do I explain White Privilege?
» Advice for Parents during Coronavirus
Whilst coronavirus is infectious to children it is rarely serious. If your child is unwell it is likely to be a non-coronavirus illness, rather than coronavirus itself - and whilst it is extremely important to follow Government advice to stay at home during this period, it can be confusing to know what to do when your child is unwell or injured.
» Advice documents on Domestic Abuse & Domestic Violence
FREE RAIL JOURNEYS -Train companies to offer free travel to those fleeing domestic abuse during coronavirus lockdown. SILENCE SHIELDS ABUSE - If you are have concerns about a friend, family member or a neighbour, please be their voice contact Solace Advice Line or the 24hr National Domestic Violence Helpline.
» COVID-19 Explained by GPs in different Asian languages
BBC Asian Network have produced videos of GPs explaining COVID-19 in the following Asian languages: Gujurati, Tamil, Sylheti,Hindi and Urdu.
» Emotional Wellbeing Project to continue via telephone support
In respect of government guidelines relating to the COVID-9 outbreak we are announcing that the BME Health Forum's Emotional Well-being project is continuing via telephone support and with the support of our partners, we hope to be able to continue support clients who don’t speak English in a number of community languages during this difficult time.
» Men's Health Forum: - Prostate Cancer awareness story
PAUL: 'SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO BE PUSHY'. Paul reckons his prostate cancer diagnosis began with an NHS health check his GP didn't want to give him.
» Chinese Health & Wellbeing Clinic and COVID 19 information for the Chinese Community
In the following video Eddie Chan, former Chair of the BME Health Forum introduces the Chinese Health & Wellbeing Clinic services in Central London followed by lead doctor Dr Kit Wu who gives important public health information about the COVID 19 virus to the Chinese Community.
» Westminster PDT ESFA contract
The PDT has been awarded an ESFA contract to manage the awarding of a high number (170 approx) of small grants to community groups in West and Central London. The grants can be between £5,000 and £20,000 each and they can be used for all sorts of employment work including the very early parts of a person's journey (motivation/engagement etc) right through to job entry and sustainment.
» Pregnant? There's an app for that
NHS Mum and baby maternity app launch
» Recruitment of BME Adopters
PACT are appealing for more people to consider adopting children of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) heritage
» Dementia survey/study
Help improve the care given to dementia patients by GPs - for family caregivers
» Flu Vaccine for over 65s
Public Health England has released some useful information about the flu vaccine for the over 65s
» The GLAD Study
Depression and anxiety are common but complex disorders whose research needs very large sample sizes. The Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression (GLAD) study will be the largest ever single study of anxiety and depression, and aims to recruit >40,000 individuals.
» Diabetes Project - food carbohydrate content
NHS Diabetes Transformation Team are producing a book and app to help people understand the carbohydrate content of their food. The book is specifically aimed at Arabic, South Asian, Caribbean and African communities.
» Are you a parent or carer in Kensington & Chelsea? Young Families and Urgent Care survey
Over the next week, staff and volunteers will be at the St Charles Urgent Care Centre, talking to parents and carers about their experiences of using the service.
Have you seen your GP or used urgent care services in the last year?
Help us understand how these services are working for you!
» Research - addressing inequalities in weight management among Black and Ethnic Minority communities
Abimbola Ojo is currently undertaking a doctorate in public health, at the School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University. The focus of the research is on addressing inequalities in weight management among Black and Ethnic Minority communities. The study involves one to one telephone interviews with members of the Black and Ethnic Minority community, to gain insight into their dietary patterns, and their awareness of, and views on existing healthy eating resources.
» Maternity Care in England and its Impact on Migrant Women
This study, released in September 2018 by Maternity Action, explores the experiences of women who faced charges for NHS maternity care. Most of the participants were socially and economically vulnerable but faced unrepayable debts for bills which they were sent from the NHS.
» Young Healthwatch Westminster
Healthwatch will be setting up a Young Healthwatch Westminster. This will be a group of young people who share their views and experiences of healthcare in the borough, and use this feedback to help shape the services they use. If you're between 14 - 25, use health or social care services in Westminster, and would like to have a say in how local healthcare services are run, please get in touch.
» Opportunity for Free Facilitated Coaching
Pilotlight is an award-winning charity that provides charities and social enterprises access to strategic business support to become bigger, better and more sustainable. The programme offers 10 months of facilitated coaching from four senior business mentors (‘Pilotlighters’), free of charge.
» Government proposals on children and young people's mental health
Ways for schools and colleges to support pupils' mental health are set out in a green paper, as well as plans for new mental health support teams.
» Invitation: BME Health Forum – NHS Choices Course Grant
Organisations that work with patients registered with Hammersmith & Fulham GP practices are invited to apply to deliver one or two 10 session courses benefiting a minimum of 10 clients per course whose level of English is at Entry Level 2. Each organisation will receive £790 for each course they deliver.
» SURVEY: Care Co-ordination Service (CCS) and Health Watch Survey
Primary care coordination services have changed in Westminster. Healthwatch and the Older Adults Group at the Advocacy Project want to hear your experiences of receiving support, so that we can check that the changes are improving people's lives.
» January issue of K&C Mind's Peer Support Network newsletter, #PeerTalk
#PeerTalk: K&C Mind’s Peer Support Network Newsletter - This issue includes:Happy new year; PeerFest 2015; Peer Support Fair; Steering Group; Peer Bank; Peer Support Directory; Marsh Award; Peer Support in the news; Dates for the diary...
» LSCB Newsletter for January 2016
The LSCB Newsletter for January 2016 is now available to download. Please note that the newsletter particularly highlights the Tri-Borough LADO role [Local Authority Designated Officer], whose purpose is to investigate any allegations of misconduct amongst staff who work with children and/or young people...
» MEWSO's January 2016 Newsletter
Middle Eastern Women & Society Organisation's January newsletter is now published. We have a new section called "your say" where we will feature our reader's opinions on issues such as domestic violence, emotional abuse, and women's rights...
» New Patient Participation Group Best Practice Guide!
Healthwatch Central West London have a new Patient Participation Group Best Practice Guide! Thinking about starting up a PPG, joining a group or getting more members for your PPG? Then have a read of this guide! It has top tips on recruiting patients, the roles and responsibilities of a PPG, and the support...
» Peer Support Network - New Monthly Newsletter (November Issue)
Kensington and Chelsea Mind’s Peer Support Network have a new monthly newsletter, called #PeerTalk. November is the first issue...
» New Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) Single Point of Access
The new CNWL Single Point of Access was launched on 3rd November 2015. This is a one-stop entry point into working age adult secondary community mental health services for patients living in the North West London boroughs of Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, K&C, and Westminster...
» Why do men engage less with primary health care? - [from People First Website]
On People First: Why do men engage less with primary health care? Men, on average, visit the GP 20% less than women, and younger men visit the GP half as often as younger women. Men are generally poor users of primary care. They are less likely to access other health services such as dentists...
» Maternity Project - Heathwatch CWL + Project management group Meeting on 28th Oct
Healthwatch Central West London have begun a research project on maternity and associated services in our three boroughs (Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster and Hammersmith and Fulham). We want to assess the quality of the experience of women who have delivered and used inpatients,outpatients...
» Westminster Time Credits - off to a strong start!
Westminster Time Credits Newsletter (October 2015).Since our update announcing that organisations can now sign up to the Westminster Time Credits network we have been super busy here at Westminster Time Credits. Our main focus has been to get out and about to spread the news...
» Flu Vaccination information letter from Public Health (Three boroughs)
Flu season is here again. For most people flu is an unpleasant illness from which they recover in two to seven days. However for children under 6 months, those over 65 years, those with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women, the risk of serious complications is higher. These complications...
» MEWSO Monthly Newsletter-September 2015
The Middle Eastern Women & Society Organisation (MEWSO) is pleased to bring you our second monthly newsletter. MEWSO is a women's run organisation dedicated to providing mental and emotional support to Middle Eastern and North African women who have faced/witnessed domestic violence...
» Westminster Time Credits
Spice, the social enterprise that has developed Time Credits -a way of recognising and celebrating the time people give to their community and to encourage more new people to get involved in volunteering – are setting up a local network in Westminster, with a specific focus on South Westminster…
» Medical Justice Press Release: HM Inspector of Prisons 2015 report on Yarl’s Wood - 12/08/15
HM Inspector Prisons 2015 insection of Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre -12th August 2015. “The severe decline in healthcare documented by HM Inspector of Prisons demonstrates that the Home Office and its private contractors have been incapable of learning lessons. The endemic harmful...
» Victoria Medical Centre in Westminster Rated 'Outstanding' by CQC
The Victoria Medical Centre – the oldest practice in Westminster - was rated ‘outstanding’ in the Care Quality Commission (CQC)’s latest round of reports.
The Victoria Medical Centre offers General Practices (GP) services, and specialises in diagnostic and screening procedure, family planning services...