A thriving Patient Engagement Event was held at the Health E1 Homeless Practice in Tower Hamlets on Friday, 23 June. The first of its kind, this event drew an attendance of over 50 homeless and vulnerable individuals, making it a remarkable success.
Hosted by Health E1, a specialist service for individuals experiencing homelessness in Tower Hamlets, the event took place from 10 am to 2 pm, and saw a collaborative effort with numerous local services. The aim was to provide a holistic and comprehensive healthcare experience to the community.
Visitors were offered a myriad of services and opportunities for engagement. This included expert benefits advice from DWP, guidance on navigating the benefits system, mental health support and resources from RAMPH, assistance for substance misuse and addiction recovery from RESET, and confidential testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections at the STI Clinic.
In addition, Groundswell provided insight on support services and opportunities for personal development, and attendees could connect with members of other homeless hostels, asylum seekers, and related organisations.
A festive atmosphere was created with a complimentary lunch and refreshments, free haircuts, and lively social vibes. The event was unique in its approach, being patient-led rather than practice-led. The individuals in attendance were not just passive participants but took ownership of the event, playing active roles in signposting other patients, staff, and partner agencies to the available services.
Mohammed Almahfuz, Practice Manager at Health E1 enthusiastically stated, "This fair wasn't merely practice-led; it was patient-led. Our patients stepped up, taking ownership and leading the fair. Their personal experiences enriched the event and made signposting to services a truly meaningful and tailored endeavour."
The event embodied the ethos of Health E1, which is not only about registering people who are street homeless or in temporary accommodation but also working closely with local services to provide a holistic service for their patients.
The resounding success of the Patient Engagement Event is a testament to the strength of community collaboration and the power of patient-led initiatives. It underlines Health E1's commitment to serving their community in innovative and inclusive ways, marking an encouraging precedent for future engagement events.
In the words of the Practice Manager, "Our patients took the helm, and the success of the day is truly their achievement."
Reflecting on the event's success, Primary Care Executive Director Dr. Mohit Venkataram commented, "Today’s event is a testament to our relentless commitment to empower our patients and ensure equitable access to healthcare for all, especially those facing social or economic barriers. Seeing our community rally together to support and uplift each other is profoundly inspiring. A heartfelt thank you to our partners who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, making this event a resounding success for our homeless population. This unity of purpose, led by our dedicated staff and patients, underscores the profound impact primary care can have on health and wellbeing. It's in these collective efforts that we truly make a difference, helping vulnerable individuals navigate not just healthcare challenges, but also the harsh realities of life they often confront. This is the embodiment of primary care's vital role in our society."