Christian faith, National Health Service, patient care, Rainbow Theatre, Seven Sisters Road, support group, United Kingdom,
Thursday 21st November 2013
The UCKG HelpCentre at the Rainbow Theatre on Seven Sisters Road opened its doors for a health awareness event on Saturday November 16th and attracted 85 people intent on learning more about sickle cell anaemia.
This is an inherited blood disorder that affects the shape of victims’ red blood cells and can result in severe pain, mostly in the joints. It is most common among people of African and Caribbean descent however anyone can be affected.
The event was a cooperation between the Enfield Sickle Cell Support Group and the HelpCentre’s Patient Care Group that involved a mix of entertainment and talks to explain the condition and how to cope with it.
After introductions by HelpCentre member Sandra Ulume, a song entitled Sickle Cell Crisis and written especially for the event and a short drama on the subject were performed by Malcolm Koroma and other members of the HelpCentre’s youth group, VYG.
Martha Muli, an NHS nurse specialising in sickle cell disorder then explained the condition to the audience. She was followed by Comfort Ndive from the Sickle Cell Society UK who talked about the importance of educating communities on the condition, and Samantha Greaves from Enfield Sickle Cell Support Group, who described the services they provide locally.
Audience feedback included appreciation from people who had not previously heard of sickle cell anaemia; and enquiries about joining the Patient Care Group.
ENDS
Notes to editors
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 6033.
