Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Health programme born out of collaboration between Leeds Beckett researchers and community organisations
The ‘Good for the head, good for the heart’ session will run from 3-7pm on Wednesday 13 July at Leeds West Indian Centre in Laycock Place, LS7 and will provide information and advice about diabetes, cancer, mental health, HIV/AIDs and sickle cell, with support also for those wishing to give up smoking.
Dr Maria Maynard, a Senior Lecturer in Public Health Nutrition at Leeds Beckett University and lead organiser of the event, said it had come about as a result of her research looking at the levels of type 2 diabetes in minority ethnic groups.
“We are running the community health programme in partnership with the Leeds West Indian Centre Charitable Trust, Feel Good Factor, and Black Health Initiative,” she said.
“There is a three to four times higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes among Black Caribbeans and Black Africans compared to the general population. We felt it important to offer this drop-in session for people who want to find out more about what changes can be made in terms of lifestyle and diet, and to reinforce existing positive behaviours to help combat those risks. There’ll also be plenty of information around other conditions from cancer to mental wellbeing.
“It is free to attend and local health care professionals, including nutritionists and dietitians, will be on hand to deliver a range of health checks such as blood pressure and weight.”
Dr Carl Hylton, Chairperson of Leeds West Indian Centre Charitable Trust on behalf of the community partner organisations, added: “Our organisations are aware of the key issues covered by this important health session and have initiated continuous support work to spread-the-word to our communities and health professionals.
“We are delighted to be in partnership with Leeds Beckett University to further Black Caribbean and Black African health endeavours and hope that this four-way partnership provides the framework for more health programme collaborations.”
Refreshments and goody bags will also be available on the day. For further information please contact Dr Maynard at m.maynard@leedsbeckett.ac.uk or Dr Carl Hylton at carl@lwicct.co.uk.