Nigeria Community Dorset (NCD) is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community spirit. While their name highlights the Nigerian community in Dorset, their doors are wide open to all Africans, Black people, and anyone who shares their core values. They do incredible work, reaching hundreds of people every year to address important community needs.

How CAN supported NCD’s health mission

CAN teamed up with NCD to host a vital series of health and wellbeing workshops. The goal? To specifically tackle health topics that disproportionately affect the Black community.

Over several weeks, we helped NCD bring in expert clinical presenters to deliver tailored, open, and honest sessions on key subjects. CAN’s collaboration made sure NCD had the resources and expertise to host these impactful events, making it easier for them to reach their community effectively.

Topics covered included:

• COVID-19 & Vaccinations: Clear, up-to-date information on the virus, safety guidelines, and the importance of vaccines.
• Mental Health & Wellbeing: Creating a safe space to openly discuss this crucial subject, which is often considered taboo in the Black community.
• Diabetes Awareness: Looking at pre-diabetes, clear signs, general facts, and specifics on how the condition presents in Black individuals.
• Prostate Cancer: Discussing risk factors, how it specifically impacts Black communities, and demystifying the diagnosis and treatment journey.

Thanks to this collaboration, around 100 people attended the workshops, leading to some great results:

• Greater awareness and understanding of serious health conditions and the support services available. By having open conversations about previously ‘taboo’ subjects like mental health and prostate cancer, the community is better equipped to look after its wellbeing.
• Reduced roadblocks to essential health information, encouraging people to seek help sooner. Attendees reported feeling more confident and empowered to seek early intervention, which leads to better overall health outcomes!
• A chance to connect in a supportive environment, reducing social isolation and strengthening community ties. People found a sense of belonging and solidarity through shared experiences and discussions.

This partnership, which also involved Trusted Voices, truly helped NCD deliver education, empowerment, and improved health outcomes for its members. CAN is proud to have provided the support that enabled NCD to foster a stronger, more resilient community.