Projects
On the 29th of March 2023, Kinaraa hosted a pivotal tour and dialogue with NHS decision-makers from South London and Maudsley (SLaM) and the South East London Integrated Care System (SEL ICS), visiting grassroots organisations in Lewisham to see them at work, and concluded with an event at the Migration Museum in Lewisham Shopping Centre, for a wider conversation with several other Black Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations working throughout the borough. Kinaraa’s vision and objective in planning the event was to bridge communication between healthcare decision makers and grassroots organisations. Our initiative allowed the stakeholders in health to witness firsthand the vital work being done for Lewisham's Black African and Caribbean communities by the Black Third Sector whilst providing these grassroots organisations with a platform to advocate for their services and future opportunities.
The tour featured visits to three local organisations, including a community garden, a soup kitchen and social space for vulnerable people who are homeless and suffering with mental health, and a dance company for children and young people, culminating the tour at the Migration Museum. The second half of the event focused on group discussions, raising concerns surrounding barriers, and generating ideas to improve communication, collaboration, funding, inclusion, and support. The event ended with a networking session to further enrich the dialogues had.
A conversation with NHS decision makers and stakeholders in health
The event drew 44 participants, with 90% representing the Black African and Caribbean communities across Lewisham, Bromley, Greenwich, and Southwark. Stakeholders from SLaM and SEL ICS deeply engaged with the cultural and historical context of healthcare in a borough with the UK's largest Black population and the third-largest Black African and Caribbean community. The BLACHIR report of March 2022 highlighted the systemic racism and discrimination affecting these communities, urgently calling for systemic changes to address health inequities. SLaM is committed to becoming an anti-racist organisation by 2026, and SEL ICS has published an equity-focused strategy, recognising the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector (VCSE) as a key strategic partner within the South East London Integrated Care System. Throughout the tour and event, the indispensable role of the Black Third Sector and grassroots organisations was powerfully evident to all stakeholders.
Kinaraa meticulously planned, executed, and secured funding for the event. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees and stakeholders valuing the depth of information and rich networking opportunities. The Black led organisations expressed hope for meaningful change and gratitude for having "a seat at the table." This event marked a significant step towards enhanced collaboration and equity in healthcare for South East London’s Black communities.
Event participant
“Today’s event was encouraging and refreshing to see that Lewisham Black community is taking responsibility for what happens.”
Event participant
“A seat at the table”
Event participant
“I loved it! Community connection, what it’s all about!”
Event participant
“Surprisingly amazing”