Health, Heritage and Hope: Redbridge Bangladeshi Health Mela Unites Community

On 4th November, Redbridge Central Library was transformed into a vibrant celebration of health, heritage, and connection during the first ever Bangladeshi Health Mela in the borough. Hosted in collaboration with the London Bangladeshi Health Partnership, the Mela drew scores of residents, health professionals, and community leaders to address health inequalities and raise awareness about support available.

From the start, the event set a warm, inclusive tone. Guests were greeted by the a  Bangladeshi-inspired lunch and Carrom Board competitions and intricate Henna art. Music and laughter swept through as chair-based exercises led by health professionals energised attendees for a day packed with discussions around health and breaking barriers in the borough.

Throughout the Mela, stalls and activities provided accessible health checks, guidance, and resources. Local doctors, including Dr Sarwat Bari, Dr Nawsheen Alam and Dr Manpreet Kaur, delivered insightful presentations on topics like maintaining health during winter months, diabetes prevention and management, and the importance of staying physically and mentally active. Dr Nawsheen Alam reminded everyone that “maintaining healthy habits—especially mental health, hydration, and regular exercise—are vital in winter,” while Dr Kaur gave practical tips for balanced eating and checked in on diabetes knowledge.

To ensure everyone benefited, sessions were conducted in both English and Sylheti, breaking down language barriers and helping to build trust. Health checkups were available from PELC, Doctors House, BHRUT Sexual Health, with further stalls offering support on mental and oral health, social care, vaccinations (from Vaccination UK/Public Health Protection), podiatry, welfare benefits, breast and bowel cancer screening, healthy eating, social prescribing and more.

The breadth of services was praised by Councillor Helen Coombe: “With the event being so well attended from different services it’s been great for people to be able to chat, find out what is available and to take an active part in their health.” One resident added: “I got checked and vaccinated all in one day, which saved me weeks of waiting!” Feedback consistently highlighted how such events close gaps and enable access for those facing barriers.

Visible support from Councillors Helen Coombe and Syeda Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Health Mark Santos, Public Health Director Gladys Xavier, and Head of Public Health James Bachmann reflected the borough’s commitment to tackling health inequalities together. Councillor Syeda Choudhury not only celebrated Redbridge’s collective progress but urged gratitude toward allies and the importance of preparing for future health challenges: “We must pay gratitude to the non-Bengalis who have helped the Bangladeshi community get to where they are today. Future health melas will help us all be prepared and promote vaccinations and bust myths.”

Riyad Karim, Co-Chair of London Bangladeshi Health Partnership, spoke about the vital need to connect with communities in ways that are culturally relevant and trusted. Members of the London Bangladeshi Health Partnership Senior Management Team echoed the value of nurturing voices from within the community to drive engagement, advocacy and outreach. Sonia Lard of the Public Health Team, who helped lead the initiative, noted, “It’s a promising step towards more inclusive health outreach in Redbridge. We’re already thinking about the next one!”

Where Health Meets Heritage

Though physical and mental wellbeing were at the heart of the event, the Mela offered so much more. Raffles, laughter, and games kept spirits high, and the blending of joy with community service made a lasting impression.

As summed up by Councillor Mark Santos, “This event addresses the specific needs of the community, while celebrating the resilience and strength of the Bangladeshi community.” The Mela was not just about checkups, but it was an opportunity for the whole community to pause, reflect, celebrate progress, and renew healthy habits for the future.

Events like the Redbridge Bangladeshi Health Mela prove that when local communities, services and residents come together, real change is possible. As winter sets in, the Mela will hopefully inspire new collaborations and healthier futures for all.