Improving Equity in Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Outcomes

How do we improve fairness in heart health outcomes for black populations in City and Hackney?

Why is this important?

Improving Equity in Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Outcomes is one of the programme areas which has been taken forward as part of the MATCH programme. The focus is on improving outcomes for African and Caribbean heritage populations, as we know there are worse outcomes for these groups at the moment. 

Improve prevention of poor outcomes from CVD in City and Hackney neighbourhoods using an anti-racist and health equity approach.

Approach

Residents and community partners have participated throughout this project, which has involved:

• Establishing a steering group including stakeholders from Primary Care, VCSE organisations, Community Champions, and NHS NEL commissioners to plan the delivery of this work.
• Undertaking an evidence review of community-based interventions to improve cardiovascular health and an evaluation of the local NHS Health Checks Service.
• Delivering three community outreach events to collect insight and promote opportunities for residents with relevant lived-experience to be involved in the project. The events also provided blood pressure testing, health advice and information on local services for a more reciprocal and less extractive approach. World Cafe methodology was used to encourage residents to contribute their ideas and perspectives and questions focussed on solutions as opposed to barriers.  
• Holding two workshops to generate and prioritise key areas for change. These were:
  • Projects which support an asset-based community development approach and fund existing community organisations to promote heart health 
  • Translated information, including key health messages and local services
  • Tailored events, information and training for people on lower incomes at workplaces
  • Community-based information sessions

Making the change

• A final workshop was held to co-design the funding aims and objectives and the fund parameters. The result of this workshop was designing the ‘Our Fingers on the Pulse’ fund to provide grants to VCSE Organisations working with African and Caribbean heritage populations to promote heart health. 
• Residents were part of the grant assessment panel and four equity-led VCSE organisations have been funded to deliver community-based blood pressure testing, co-designed physical activity sessions, peer support and health information sessions. 
• A Specialist Clinical Pharmacist based within Homerton Hospital will support this work by providing clinical oversight and capacity building for the funded organisations.

Funded projects 

STYK CIC – Women, Weights and Wellness

STYK CIC focuses on the delivery of sports and wellness activities for underactive women across London, aiming to address the emotional, psychological and practical barriers to a healthy lifestyle. This project will deliver physical activity focussed on utilising weights/ functional movements for a cardio-vascular workout and wellness sessions focussed on understanding and learning relevant and culturally appropriate wellness practices to address stress and mental health.

For more information contact Stukcic@gmail.com

African Community School – Heart Health in our Hands

African Community School works with families in Hackney to support academic achievement, develop employability skills and provide holistic family services. Heart Health in Our Hands will deliver online heart health talks and information sessions, a women’s walking group and Zumba classes.

For more information contact office@acschool.org.uk

Shepherdsfold Ministry – Love and maintain your heart

Shepherdsfold Ministry supports people living on Kingsmead, Clapton Park and Chatsworth estates in Hackney to easily access services that improve the quality of their lives. This project will provide one-to-one and group support sessions focussing on healthy lifestyles, gentle physical exercise and blood pressure checks.

For more information contact shepherdfold@outlook.com

Carib Eats – Carib Beats

Carib Eats is a community-driven organisation dedicated to creating connections and improving the well-being of elderly Caribbean and residents in Hackney and beyond. Carib Beats aims to empower the community with the knowledge and tools to take charge of their well-being. The project will deliver fitness sessions, health talks, dance activities, and health MOT checks. By integrating music, movement, and culturally relevant health education, the project aims to make heart health fun, accessible, and community-centered.

For more information contact caribeatslondon@gmail.com