Project – 2 Community Health

Project – 2 Community Health. [image] Colourful carved figures of humans.

[Audio] Our community health presentation focuses on the Whitechapel area Muslim community. As a group, we decided and chose to engage with two significant community institutions, East London Mosque and Meryem Center. Our goal is to understand how the local community influences individuals' life courses and health outcomes, providing insights that can inform holistic nursing care practices. We'll explore into demographics, health challenges, and social dynamics, emphasizing the transformative potential of community engagement initiatives in promoting health and overall well-being..

[Audio] Project Activities Overview We visited the Mosque and Meryem Center to interview service users about their life course and health experiences. Made a community walk to observe and document services, facilities, and social interactions in the locality. Reflected on our findings to understand the community's impact on health and well-being. Discussed and Shared our insights, highlighting the importance of community engagement in nursing care..

[Audio] This two pictures are the outside view of the two community institutes that we choose, the east London mosque and Meryem centre..

[Audio] The Interview Speaking with community members and service users and learning directly about their life path and how it affects their health have given us insightful new perspectives. By interviewing people, we have been able to learn about their individual needs, struggles, and experiences within the community. Respecting people's autonomy and privacy has depended heavily on obtaining informed consent and acting professionally throughout (NHS, 2024). We have been able to effectively address specific health inequities and promote holistic well-being by customising our interventions based on this firsthand information..

Life-course example. [image]. Fatima, a woman in her late twenties from Whitechapel, struggled with shyness and low self-esteem due to childhood bullying and isolation. Seeking help from Maryam Women’s Services (MWS) in her twenties, Fatima attended counseling and workshops. Through this support, she challenged her negative self-perceptions and formed connections with other women. Empowered by her experiences, Fatima gained resilience and self-belief, enabling her to pursue her goals confidently..

Life-course example. [image]. Ahmed, in his early thirties from Whitechapel, initially faced health challenges due to poor eating habits and limited physical activity. He began actively engaging in activities at his neighbourhood mosque and community centre, participating in fitness courses, educational seminars, and prayer sessions. By prioritizing his health through regular community involvement, adopting mindful eating habits, and maintaining a consistent exercise routine, Ahmed experienced notable improvements, including weight loss, muscle gain, and enhanced overall well-being..

[image] A group of people sitting at a table with a light bulb Description automatically generated.

Our Observation. While walking in the area, we conducted observations, particularly around the East London Mosque, which revealed key insights into the community's dynamics. The presence of a homeless shelter adjacent to the mosque indicates a strong commitment to supporting the underprivileged, highlighting the community's empathy and dedication to assisting vulnerable individuals. Additionally, the area is characterized by numerous Islamic stores, reflecting a significant Muslim presence and cultural diversity within the neighborhood. There are several General Practitioners (GPs) available in the area, offering healthcare services to families. However, these GPs have limited operating hours, do not open on weekends, and offer a restricted number of appointments, which can be inconvenient for community members..

Our Observation. [image] A group of people outside of a hospital Description automatically generated.

The Community. [image] A group of people outside of a building Description automatically generated.

Understanding the Community. Upon observing the Whitechapel community, we have found that its population is varied, consisting of people of different ages, families, the elderly, and young adults. Residents can get help catered to their individual needs and life phases by actively engaging with local services and organisations, such as charities, community centres, and mosques. Regular use of services is evident, showing a strong feeling of community involvement and dependence on existing resources..

Demographic Data. Whitechapel is home to 18,841 residents as of 2021. The area has a slightly higher male population (9,612) compared to females (9,221). The majority (14,561) fall within the 18-64 age range, with the most prevalent age group being 30-39 years old (4,134). The population is diverse, with the largest ethnicities being Asian (9,659) and White (6,527). Many residents were born in the Middle East and Asia (5,129) or the UK/EU (8,436). Islam is the predominant religion (8,099 adherents), followed by Christianity and those with no religious affiliation. (Muslim Council of Britain, 2021)..

The neighborhood reflects its diverse population through Asian and Middle Eastern restaurants, shops, and clothing stores, indicating a vibrant multicultural community. These statistics highlight the diverse and multicultural nature of the Whitechapel community, influencing its cultural and demographic landscape. Overall, our observations and the demographic data highlight Whitechapel as a vibrant, multicultural community with strong community engagement and accessibility to essential services, fostering a sense of inclusion and well-being among residents and visitors..

Community Challenges. [image]. Recent studies reveal significant insights into London's Muslim community, emphasizing demographic shifts, health disparities, and social dynamics. Research by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) underscores a growing Muslim population in London, particularly in areas marked by socio-economic challenges. These areas often grapple with issues like poverty, unemployment, and inadequate housing, which significantly impact health outcomes. Muslims in London face disproportionate rates of mental health disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, attributed to barriers in accessing healthcare due to cultural and linguistic challenges, along with discrimination within healthcare settings. Despite contributing to London's multicultural fabric, Muslims also experience social exclusion, Islamophobia, and discrimination. Addressing these inequalities and fostering social inclusion are vital for improving the health and well-being of London's Muslim population..

Health Challenges. [image] {EALISTIC expectat.ons problem SKILLS Ability TO RECOGNISE their own and those SELF nn n MISTAKES Unde rstandiry ACCEPTANCE OF THEIR RESILIENCE SELF- CONTROL ot others SOCIAL SKILLS TO SEEK WILLINGNESS to OPTIMISTIC think.ng PAI rERNS rather than AVOID PROBLEMS.

Conclusion:. In conclusion, our experiment highlights how community involvement may significantly improve health and well-being in the Whitechapel neighbourhood. To provide holistic care that takes into account the social, emotional, and physical facets of well-being, nurses must prioritise social engagement, identify the specific requirements of the community, and make the most use of the resources at their disposal. We can build a stronger and more resilient neighbourhood for future generations by working together with neighbourhood organisations and actively participating in neighbourhood projects..

Reflection. [image] Reflec+ion Fri OT your Nor k. Whai didn P would Veu.

Reference. Ahmed, S., Khan, S. A. and Rashid, T. (2020) Exploring health disparities among British Muslims: A review of the literature. Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, Vol 40(1), 68-89. Brinkhoff, T. (2021) Whitechapel ward in London. Available at: https://www.citypopulation.de/en/uk/london/wards/tower_hamlets/E05009336__whitechapel/ (Accessed: 26 April 2024). National Health Service (2024) consents to using and sharing patient information. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/consent-to-using-and-sharing-patient-information/ (Accessed: 26 April 2024). National Health Service (2019) Royal London and Mile End: Site management team. Available at: https://www.bartshealth.nhs.uk/the-royal-london-mile-end-site-management-teams/ (Accessed: 26 April 2024). Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) (2021) British Muslim Demographics: A MCB analysis of the 2021 Census. Available at: https://mcb.org.uk/resources/2021-census-striving-for-fairness (Accessed: 20 April 2024)..