Haringey Women’s Healthy Neighbourhoods Soirée took place on 23^rd March 2023 to celebrate Women’s History Month. Women of Haringey were invited to an afternoon in a safe space exploring ways to make positive changes around health and wellbeing in the community. The event was part of the Healthy Neighbourhoods programme which aims to improve inequalities in health, well-being, and life chances of people living in the most diverse neighbourhoods in East Haringey. Community empowerment and co-production play a crucial part in that work.

At the event, 37 women gathered at the Chestnuts Community Centre, including residents, guest speakers, and information stalls. Attendees took part in a fun community mapping exercise, “home is where the heart is”, to identify and share their knowledge of strengths and assets in our communities, and learn more about each other and the ways we interact in our borough.

The information stalls placed around the room showcased local services and activities for women. Inspirational guest speakers shared their health and wellbeing stories; of being a young carer, of overcoming breast cancer, and a journey of living with a mental illness. Attendees also enjoyed a guided mindfulness session as a way to reflect and relax.

One attendee shared, “Thanks for the event; I thought it was well run and powerful, I especially liked the contributions of all the speakers on the day.”

The following groups and services had information stalls at the event:

• Cancer Champions from Bridge Renewal Trust
• Diabetes Care Navigators from GP Federation
• Roj Women, who support and empower Kurdish and Turkish-speaking women
• Public Voice
• Sewn Together
• Whittington Health NHS Self-Management Support service and long-term health condition support programmes
• Haringey Council’s Haringey Walks programme
• North London Partners (NLP) Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service (SPMHS), providing mental health care during pregnancy

These wonderful guest speakers shared their stories and experience:

• Farida Rahman – Barnet, Enfield, Haringey NHS Mental Health Trust
• Elisa Paschalidou – Cancer Champion
• Councillor Holly Harrison-Mullane – Labour councillor for St. Ann’s ward in Haringey
• Jacqueline Morrison – NHS Assistant Service Manager
• Princess Otas – Angelic Reiki Healer (guided mindfulness session leader)

Find out more about the Healthy Neighbourhoods programme