On the evening of Monday 16th of October over 250 guests from the local Brent community headed to BOXPARK Wembley for JRF’s Better Health & Wellbeing Event.
The last time the JRF Team hosted an event at the popular venue was for their Inspire to Achieve Heritage Project in 2022 when Paul Merson, one of the celebrated footballers, took to the stage and opened up to the audience about his mental health battles.
This time local brent residents shared personal and touching stories about their health journeys which included mental health, the menopause, diabetes, cancer, dementia, and Sickle cell.
Supported by Quintain Services, Brent Health Matters, and Wembley National Stadium Trust, the Better Health & Wellbeing event marked a series of local initiatives delivered by the JRF Team for the benefit of the community that has physical activity, health, and social interaction for all ages at its heart.
The Brent Health Matters and Public Health Teams were on hand to offer health checks and screenings whilst the audience were treated to a wonderful live performance by Grammy award winner singer Junior Giscombe, who belted out hits such as ‘Mamma used to say’ much to the delight of the crowd.
Cherrelle Amo from Hillside Performing Arts was on hand to warm up he eager crowd with a dance routine, before taking to the stage with some of her elder participants who have enjoyed online armchair aerobics with Cherrelle during and since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nine Forbes and his Run Club were also out in full force and shared some of the stories that make the ever-growing group a family.
John Licorish and June Farquharson spoke about tackling health inequalities and promoted the Man and Van Prostate service currently in Brent.
Mayor of Brent, Cllr Orleen Hylton and ex-Gogglebox star Sandra popped in to take park in the activities on offer, as the health checks continued until 10pm.
With health information and screenings, wellbeing, exercise, music, refreshments, and entertainment available, who says Monday nights are boring!
Otis Roberts, CEO of the Foundation said; “Our communities are taking health very seriously and as a charity that puts community first, we do what we can to support them in their quest. We would like to say a big thank you to Quintain – Wembley Park, Brent Health Matters, and Wembley National Stadium Trust for supporting this event, and helping us to bring communities together and engage with the more isolated and marginalised residents.”
