Tackling life-threatening blood disorders in Tower Hamlets

Advice and information on two life-threatening blood conditions affecting black and Asian people in Tower Hamlets is on offer at a conference on 24 August.

Recent research estimates that one in seven Asians may unknowingly carry the genetic blood disorder Thalassaemia and risk passing the devastating condition on to their children. Sickle Cell disorders, which can cause organ damage, are most common in people of African and Caribbean descent.

“People think these conditions aren’t a problem in this country”, said organiser Theresa Shiyanbola of the Tower Hamlets Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia Centre (THSCTC). “But because of the ethnic mix of Tower Hamlets, there’s a real need to raise awareness in the local community.” 

The conference, ‘Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia in the Community’, at the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green, will feature talks from people with personal experience of each of the conditions. There will be recent research news from Dr Paul Telfer, Honorary Consultant Haematologist the Royal London Hospital and expert in children’s blood conditions, and Dr Simon Dyson, Director of the Unit for the Social Study of Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell at De Montfort University.

The conference, which begins at 10am, will be chaired by Chioma Oyedinma Ndubueze, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing at London South Bank University.

Benefits’ advice for those affected will be available.  For more information about the conference or the conditions, contact the THSCTC on 020 8981 9603 or at St Margarets House, 15a Old Ford Road, E2 9PL.

Notes for Editors:

1. For interview requests, contact Karen Hart 020 8980 2092 or 07739462544

American volunteers help out in the East End

Each June a group of Americans arrive in the East End to volunteer in a variety of community projects. At the same time 20 British volunteers head off to the East Coast.

For over 50 years Winant Clayton has run a cross-cultural voluntary exchange programme between the U.K and America.

Chicago social worker Amy Bantz, 28, spent Independence Day at Wimbledon diplomatically supporting a Belgian: “I came to East London with nine women and two men from across the US. Most of us are living in Hackney.

“After finding my way without getting hit by cars on the ‘wrong’ side of the road, I’ve been at Bethnal Green charity hub Saint Margarets House.

“I’m working with seniors in the Activity and Retirement Centre, waiting in the community-run Gallery Café and helping with outreach activism for women sex workers.

“I’ve taken a yoga class with middle-aged Bangladeshi women in shalwar khameez: I love comparing my drab workout clothing!! The only problem I’ve encountered is working out which Brick Lane restaurant to pick…”

The scheme was started in 1948 by the Rev 'Tubby' Clayton, former Vicar of All Hallows-by-the Tower. His church was badly damaged by bombing during World War II and he was determined to see it rise again.
‘Tubby’ Clayton went to America where he had many friends and connections to seek help as well as cash. Wartime American Ambassador John Winant supported Clayton's proposal and agreed to help find young Americans to help in London.

'Tubby' Clayton was also keen to provide help to other local churches and youth organisations in the East End. The area was in desperate need after the war with much poverty and social deprivation. 17 volunteers arrived in London in 1948 to hand out food parcels from America to widows living in poverty.
East End and East Coast communities still benefit as motivated, enthusiastic volunteers make a positive difference through their hard work, energy and fresh perspective.

And by living and working in a different country, volunteers gain a deeper understanding of their own and other people's way of life.

Notes for editors:
1. Winant and Clayton Volunteers: are based at St Margarets House 21 Old Ford Road Bethnal Green  www.wcva.dircon.co.uk
2. Media contacts