Spotlight on Black health issues at ARU event
Packed programme aims to raise awareness of health inequalities
A free event with a packed programme exploring health issues affecting the Black community will take place at Anglia Ruskin University’s Cambridge campus on Thursday, 16 October.
Black Health-Matters, a free day-long programme running from 11.30am to 7.30pm, will feature expert talks, interactive wellbeing sessions and cultural activities.
Speakers include Dr Martin Besser, Consultant Haematologist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, who will discuss sickle cell disease, which is particularly common in people with an African or Caribbean family background.
Dr Raju Sapkota and Hugo Onumajuru, of ARU’s Vision and Eye Research Institute, will also present research on diabetes and eye health in the Black community. Andrea Charles will lead a session on racial trauma and also host restorative yoga workshops.
Personal stories will be shared by Tony Kelly about living with diabetes, and Elaine Tappin, whose journey with sickle cell disease will be highlighted in a screening of the documentary SICKLE DOCUFILM, followed by a panel discussion.
The event also includes wellbeing sessions, a screening of The Noise My Leaves Make, a short film exploring the experiences of Black British women in the English rural countryside by Dr Tia-Monique Uzor, and an African drumming performance by the Sangoma Drummers.
An art exhibition by Cambridge Creatives, celebrating Black cultural expression, will run throughout the day. Following check-in at 11.30am, lunch and networking begin at 12pm, with talks and activities scheduled throughout the afternoon and evening.
Black Health-Matters is open to all and aims to raise awareness, encourage dialogue and promote wellness within the community. The event is part of ARU’s commitment to promoting inclusive health education and celebrating Black heritage.
“The Black Health-Matters event is about amplifying voices, sharing knowledge, and creating space for healing and celebration. We’re proud to bring together experts, artists, and community members to explore the challenges and strengths within Black health experiences.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming the community onto our campus for this important event, which we hope will be a step toward greater understanding, equity, and empowerment.”
Dr Pamela Knight-Davidson, Research Fellow in the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Care at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)The event, which takes place at ARU’s Cambridge campus in East Road, is open to all and is free to attend, although booking is essential. For the full programme of events and to reserve a place, visit aru.ac.uk/events/black-health-matters