Tower Hamlets GP Care Group Launches Ground Breaking Somali Health Website
Tower Hamlets GP Care Group Press Release:
"A groundbreaking website providing vital health information to the Somali community has been launched today by Tower Hamlets GP Care Group.
The website, called Somali Health Education, is the first to provide trusted, culturally appropriate health information for locally based Somali people. It has been launched to coincide with Race Equality Week, which runs from 3-9 February.
The platform offers a series of informative short videos which introduce primary care health topics. The videos are delivered by Dr Farah Bede, a Tower Hamlets GP and Clinical Lead and Co-Chair of Tower Hamlets Together (THT) anti-racism and health equity steering group. They cover essential health subjects such as children’s health, how to spot cancer symptoms, mental health and end-of-life care.
Somali Health Education helps to explain the healthcare system for Somali people with limited English proficiency. The platform uses digital tools to share health tips, answer frequently asked questions, and guide users to local clinics and health services."
Dr Farah Bede said: “When I saw the impact Covid had on local Somali people due to a lack of culturally appropriate health information, I was determined to do something about it. In the videos, I wanted to cover a mix of common health issues, and information about how people can navigate the system, which we know many people find confusing, and sometimes off-putting. I hope the website is shared throughout the community in Tower Hamlets and beyond so that Somali people can get the access to health services that we all need.”
Safia Jama, Chief Executive of Women’s Inclusive Team, said: “The Somali Health Education website is a vital resource for our community, breaking down barriers to health information and empowering individuals with knowledge in their own language. At Women’s Inclusive Team, we know that access to culturally appropriate resources like this strengthens our community’s ability to thrive and make informed decisions about their health.”
Zainab Arian, Chief Executive of Tower Hamlets GP Care Group, said: “We have known for some time that the Somali community in Tower Hamlets often has poorer health outcomes than the general population. That’s why Somali Health Education is so vitally needed. It has the potential to build trust between Somali communities and healthcare providers, and foster a culture of health prevention, self-care, and empower residents.”
