Christian faith, people find it easier to learn, sickle cell anaemia, support group,
Tuesday 22nd October 2013
Brixton residents seeking a better understanding of sickle cell anaemia, either for themselves or for their families, are invited to attend a briefing on this debilitating condition at the UCKG HelpCentre, 386 Brixton Road on Saturday October 26th.
The event is a collaboration between the Croydon Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia Support Group (CSCATS) and the UCKG HelpCentre itself. A specialist nurse and other key speakers will be providing information on the condition and then several sufferers will give testimonies on their experiences of living with sickle cell anaemia.
The disease is an inherited blood condition that affects the shape of victims’ red blood cells and can result in severe pain, mostly in the joints (thalassaemia is another genetic blood disorder).
It is widely believed that people of African and Caribbean descent are more often affected by sickle cell anaemia than other ethnicities. In fact, anyone can inherit the disorder, and particularly those from Arab countries, Greece, Turkey, Israel Italy, the Iberian Peninsula and Pakistan.
The event is free and open to the public. “We are hoping to have a good attendance from people who are worried about the possibility of having this condition themselves or within their families,” said Penelope Bohui who leads the UCKG HelpCentre’s Patient Care Group in Brixton.
“Many people find it easier to learn about health concerns in a neutral environment before going to their GP, and we’re aiming to fill that need. Our objective is to improve awareness of sickle cell anaemia in the local community,” concluded Penelope.
“Patient Care Group volunteers meet many suffers during their regular weekly visits to local hospitals, so we could see a clear need for better understanding of the condition in the area.”
There will also be an opportunity to network and discuss concerns over the free food and refreshments that will be provided.
ENDS
Notes to editors
The full address of the venue is UCKG HelpCentre, 386 Brixton Road, London SW9 7AW
UCKG is a Christian church and registered charity that offers a range of practical support activities alongside spiritual support and comfort and welcomes all-comers. It reached the UK in 1995 and has gone from strength to strength, providing support and spreading the Christian faith. There are UCKG HelpCentre branches in England and Wales.
Patient Care Group is a community support group of generous minded volunteers from the UCKG HelpCentre who are available to lessen the burden of illness on patients and their families by extending the hand of friendship to them. These make regular visits to patients in hospitals, hospices, nursing homes or their own homes and will also be there for the patients’ families if required.
For further information please contact the UCKG HelpCentre Press Officer via e-mail on press@uckgnew.org or direct line 020 7686 603
