Friday, 12 July, saw the launch of the newly established Faith and Health Network Board (FHNB), bringing together multiple faith groups and health professionals. Hosted by One Vision charity and held at the new Watford Police Station located in St George Street, Watford, the event was convened to enhance collaboration across the health and voluntary sector with the engagement of faith leaders to better meet the holistic well-being needs of the community.
An important aspect of our Church outreach is to engage with our diverse communities in meaningful and relevant ways, addressing issues that impact all aspects of their lives. Including Seventh-day Adventists on platforms such as the Faith and Health Network Board ensures that matters of faith, religious practice and cultural sensitivities are central to health and social care plans and projects, providing effective engagement with members of our communities.
Seventh-day Adventist representation on the newly established FHNB and attendees at the launch event were:
- Enoch Kanagaraj, Founder and Chief Executive Officer for One Vision charity
- Aftab Barki, BUC Associate Treasurer representing Pakistani Christians
- Sharon Platt-McDonald, BUC Health, Adventist Community Services and Women's Ministries Director, One Vision Trustee
Key to the establishment of the FHNB are the following aims:
- Bring together representatives of health system partners, faith partners, academics and other stakeholders
- Identify and showcase good practice examples of collaboration between faith-based organisations and health agencies
- Explore how we sustain and develop relationships to ensure ongoing engagement in public health issues for faith communities to improve delivery and access to health services and reduce health inequalities
- Facilitate the creation of a network of faith networks
Opening the event was Enoch Kanagaraj, who acknowledged the importance of bringing together key faith and health partners to reflect on work already delivered and look towards the future of these partnerships.
The Hertfordshire Constabulary, led by Chief Inspector Andy Wiseman, demonstrated their commitment to community safety. He led the proceedings with a reflective moment in honour of the three women brutally murdered less than a mile away earlier on in the week. Wiseman acknowledged the timely contribution of faith leaders who led in prayers and comfort for the family and distraught members of the community, traumatised by this heinous crime in their neighbourhood. He also affirmed his commitment to progress the agenda on the safety of women in the community and the reduction of gender-based crimes.
In her presentation: 'The Impact of Faith and Cultural Perspectives in Collaborative Community Engagement', Sharon Platt-McDonald highlighted the importance of health and social care providers being conversant with the faith, beliefs and cultural norms of diverse groups. Sharon spoke of the expression of faith and lifestyle choices as core values in these communities. She also emphasised the integral part this knowledge may play in understanding hesitancy in some communities to uptake certain services and compliance with specific health interventions.
In her presentation, Rosalind Nerio, Development Director for South and West Hertfordshire Health and Care Partnership, stated: "We are not bringing the aspect of culture and faith enough in the service delivery. This is an area we aim to improve on." She also highlighted the multi-faceted approach required to ensure this goal is achieved.
Kevin Hallahan, Health Inequalities Lead for NHS Hertfordshire West Essex Integrated Care Board, was equally committed to making a positive change by addressing gaps in the service delivery to faith groups and culturally diverse communities. He asserts: "We need to do more to better our communities and their way of life. We must look at how faith and cultural differences can impact the uptake of services we offer."
In his speech, Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, addressed other aspects of well-being, including the strategic role of safety, fraud, drug misuse, and serious harm, particularly to women and girls.
Reflecting on the event, Adventist member Enoch Kanagaraj, founder and CEO of One Vision, said: "The Faith and Health Network Board embodies our commitment to uniting diverse faith communities to foster a holistic approach to well-being. Working together can create a supportive environment where physical, mental, and spiritual health are equally prioritised, driving positive change and harmony within our communities."
In his reflection, Andy Wiseman, Chief Inspector of Watford Police, said: "The collaboration and insights shared at the Faith and Health meeting were invaluable. Engaging with diverse faith leaders and health professionals allows us to address community needs more effectively and work together towards a safer and healthier Watford."
Concluding the event, Harjit Singh, Deputy Lieutenant and Chair of the Trustees for One Vision, reiterated the FHNB's purpose of bringing together representatives from health system partners, faith communities, academics, and other stakeholders to foster collaboration, improve service delivery, and reduce health inequalities through sustained engagement in public health issues.
In his review of the launch, DL Harjit Singh states: "The Faith and Health meeting was a remarkable step forward in uniting our community. By bringing together faith leaders, health professionals, and community organisations, we are building a strong foundation for a healthier and more cohesive community. Through such partnerships, we can truly make a lasting impact."
As our Church continues to engage with public and voluntary agencies, please pray that we will be a positive witness and impact policies and service outcomes for the betterment of our communities.
