October's Newsletter: Black History Month & Our Activities

At the end of the month of October, that also happens to be Black History Month, we think it’s fitting to start by highlighting the achievements of some of our members who have a lived experience of learning disabilities or autism.

Black History Month

In 2022, Chiz Kaluba [Easy Health Projects Manager] had the honour of co-authoring a book of Sensory Stories, on 3 significant Black British people.

 
The books were researched and co-created by 6 Generate members with learning disabilities or autism, but aimed at helping those with profound disabilities. 
 

Generate Artist Rehan Qureshi also contributed and is now a published Illustrator, whilst the other members are now published authors!

 
Am glad to report that the book sales have been going well, especially this month, but your support is still greatly appreciated. 

 
Please use the following link to find out more about sensory stories, buy a book and or just share this information:

https://www.thesensoryprojects.co.uk/sensory-stories/black-britons

 
Sensory Stories are important pieces of literature and useful for bridging inequalities, as they give people with profound disabilities access to information and stories in a format that they can understand and enjoy, like everyone else.

Ethnic Minority Health Inequalities

Did you know that the rates of infant and maternal mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes are higher among Black and South Asian groups than white groups?

Well you’ll be pleased to know that we have recently uploaded the following resources that address these issues:

https://www.easyhealth.org.uk/resources/ready-steady-baby-a-guide-to-your-pregnancy

https://www.easyhealth.org.uk/resources/what-is-type-2-diabetes

National Inclusion Week: 23 Sep - 29 Sep 2024

We celebrated National Inclusion Week this year to mark the importance of inclusion and the need for taking action to create inclusive workplaces.
Why is inclusion important?

Inclusion helps to create better staff engagement and belonging within an organisation. This is important as when people feel included and valued, this increases motivation and productivity.

This allows unique individual experiences, ideas and views to be shared and appreciates in the workplace which in turn benefits overall service delivery.

Most importantly Inclusion helps us all feel valued, it to protects your mental health and helps maintain good wellbeing.

Keeping Well This Winter

Now we have entered the winter months, easy health has recently uploaded a useful resource to help you keep well this winter. Please have a look and share, using the link below:

https://www.easyhealth.org.uk/resources/things-you-need-to-do-to-stay-well-this-winter

Training & Outreach Activities

We attended the Thinking Partners Forum [Online] 14th August 2024 and were actively involved in discussions about the NHS App and how it has benefitted many vulnerable members of the community.

 We asked if the app developers and those monitoring it's "user friendliness” had any feedback from people with a lived experience of learning disability or autism and if they're any plans for an easy read version to be rolled out.

 We also queried if people with a lived experience will be actively involved in making the app more accessible.

Once we have a response you will be the first to know!.

Finally, earlier this month, we successfully delivered a well-received training presentation on Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodiversity awareness to staff at Balham Park Surgery. This and similar in person training is available to GP Surgeries that fall under the Wandsworth GP Federation [formerly BHCIC].

We continue to collaborate with colleagues with a lived experience of learning disability and or neurodiversity to offer a number of services.

Click on the link below, for more information on accessing our services:

https://www.easyhealth.org.uk/pages/other-service

Our 1.5 hour training is also still available to access, online, via the following link:

https://www.easyhealth.org.uk/pages/better-health-for-all

Also free documents on a variety of health conditions are easily accessible on our website:

https://www.easyhealth.org.uk/

Finally, please feel free to contact us for a chat, a quote, a booking or if you have any easy read/accessible health related resources that you wish to share.
 

Kind regards
The Easy Health Team
email: [email protected]

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