Seven

The following text is narrated by Husseina Hamza, founder of Red Ribbon Living Well, in collaboration with Erick Obanda and Adetunji Omotosho. It refers to the organisation's history in relation to one of the locations on the “We are Here… We are on the Move” Route. In order to see the full list of places, as well as the texts and videos related to them, please access the Route page

April 2022 – Now, Living Well

Over the past years we have been involved in several partnerships, community- based activities and events. For instance, in 2021 we contributed to establish health proprieties and gaps in provision for marginalised communities within geographic location of the local area. During covid, we were one of several community voluntary organisations selected to do research for the Birmingham and Lewisham African and Caribbean Health Inequalities Review (BLACHIR) Report. This research showed that group members' feelings about facing health inequalities as black African and Caribbean people, of being left behind and being underrepresented within health care, were based in fact. Following that project, Lewisham Council knew who Red Ribbon was - it opened a door for us to be known in the borough.

Before starting this collaboration, we were invited by Joyce – community health link for North Lewisham Primary Care Network - to use a new meeting space at the Waldron Health Centre, New Cross, that is available for all community organisations in North Lewisham.

Through involvement with the BLACHIR project and report we were invited to meet the commissioner for public health. On the basis of the report we were invited to work with other community voluntary organisations - including METRO, a charity based across the road from the Waldon where we are currently also meeting -  to implement  changes in health inequality.

The research work done in the BLACHIR report was a trailblazer because it enabled Lewisham public health to see the potential of Red Ribbon. We were encouraged to apply for funding and we now work in partnership with North Lewisham Primary Care Network. Our members have also become trained as Health Equity Champions and in understanding and supporting people struggling with mental health challenges.

This is our dream: to advocate for members, to work with other health care organisations, to have these connections, and to have the potential that a charitable organisation should have. Our goal is to strengthen the relationship with all the partners.

About Red Ribbon Living Well

Red Ribbon Living Well (RRLW) is a community-led voluntary organisation supporting individuals affected by and living with HIV, mental health and family survivors of domestic violence in Lewisham and surrounding areas. The group was founded in 2009 by members who recognised the need for peer support in the community, and it has grown from its grass-roots beginnings. More information can be found on: redribbonlivingwell.org