Story & photo:Saima Ahmed
As part of the MESP (Muslim Elders Health Project) that is run at PACA, a health event was organised aimed at Muslim men over 50. The event was held at PACA on 3rd June 2015.
Many organisations were invited to give out information on the day. These included Heeley City Farm who were giving out energy saving advice and tips. A nutritionist and Dawn Young from SOAR came to talk about health, with a particular focus on diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol and how to maintain a healthy heart. They also did a demonstration on how to make healthy fruit kebabs!
There was also a focus on fasting during Ramadan, and if people over 50 with health conditions and diabetes wanted to fast then they were given some basic information on how they can fast safely and were encouraged to speak to their GP before fasting especially if they are diabetic.
Community Development Workers from the Mental Health Team (Sheffield Health and Social Care Trust) who talked to the men about mental health issues in the BME community. The ‘Let’s get talking’ video produced my Sheffield MIND was also showcased. This talked about mental health in the BME community, why people don’t talk about it and explores relaxation techniques and ways to manage mental health.
The smoking cessation team from NHS Sheffield were also present to talk to the men about quitting for good during Ramadan. They had lots of freebies!
Helen Fairtlough, a genetics outreach worker was also present to talk about the ‘close cousin marriages and genetic risk’ project which PACA is also a part of. Helen was telling the men about how the chance of having a child born with a recessive genetic disorder is increased if the parents are closely related. If you would like more information on this project you can contact Saima Ahmed on 0114 261 9130 or
Helen Fairtlough on 07774 828 184.
And finally… we also served a yummy healthy lunch!
For more information on the Muslim Elders Health Project (Men and Women) or the Men’s Lunch Club please contact Saima Ahmed at PACA on 261 9130.