On 13th February 2025, the Bangladesh Association and Community Project (BACP) organized a vibrant and impactful community health fair in Rochdale. Timed to coincide with Heart Month, the event brought together various health and care organizations, including LivingWell Rochdale, the Diabetic Eye Screening Programme, High Level (an addiction recovery support service), Rochdale District and Mind (a mental health service provider), Genes and Health Manchester, and MEASURE, among others. The UPTURN study also played a pivotal role in the success of this event.
Our goal at this event was to raise awareness of the UPTURN project, COPD, and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). The fair, which included the attendance of the Mayor of Rochdale, had over 300 visitors and was covered by journalists from print and community media, ensuring that its outcomes were shared widely.
The meticulous planning by BACP ensured broad participation from local healthcare providers and research organizations. Attendees had access to a wealth of resources, including health education materials, free health screening, and opportunities to discuss healthcare issues with experts. This holistic approach facilitated direct connections between residents and local health services, enhancing awareness of locally available care and support tailored to community needs.
UPTURN at the Rochdale Health Fair
The huge number of attendees from various backgrounds highlighted to us the importance of tailored interventions and how these are more likely to encourage diverse participation. Community researchers from UPTURN offered visitors health information about COPD. We displayed leaflets and flyers and were happy to answer any questions the visitors came up with. Many visitors expressed genuine interest in understanding how UPTURN will be addressing challenges faced by people with COPD and the innovative approach we are taking to help make PR more accessible. We had a sign-up sheet so that interested participants could jot down their contact details and receive updates.
Seeing the joy and pride on the faces of community members on learning that the Community Researchers, who are members of the Bangladeshi community themselves, were making a concerted effort to promote health awareness across disadvantaged communities was one of the highlights of the day. The researchers’ efforts to raise awareness of PR in underserved communities, and to support the codesign of the UPTURN intervention, delighted visitors. They provided feedback, personal stories, and ideas that emphasized the significance of our effort.
While the UPTURN community researchers were there to share their work, they also took the opportunity to explore other stalls and learn from the incredible initiatives being led by different organizations. It was inspiring to see so many groups working tirelessly to improve health awareness at the community level. The Community Researchers exchanged ideas, gathered feedback, and discussed potential collaborations, all of which help strengthen Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) endeavors.
Throughout the day, the Community Researchers mingled with people from diverse backgrounds and communities, all united by a common goal: to create a healthier, more equitable society. These interactions were enriching and a testament to the importance of building bridges across communities. The Community Researchers left the fair with a wealth of new connections, fresh perspectives, and a renewed sense of purpose.
The Rochdale Pre-Ramadan Health Fair was a reminder of the incredible potential that lies within communities when they come together to support one another. UPTURN is proud to be part of this work, and the Community Researchers are now more motivated than ever to continue their work: guided by the feedback, stories, and aspirations of community members.
Reducing Health Inequalities
Community health fairs like this play a crucial role in addressing health inequalities, particularly within ethnic minority communities. By offering free health screening and educational resources, these events bridge gaps between the general public and the research community, promoting preventative care and empowering people to make informed health decisions.
For example, the focus of the fair on respiratory health provided a platform for local residents to learn about COPD—a condition that disproportionately affects people from deprived and minority backgrounds. Many visitors shared their experiences, raising concerns about the challenges they face when accessing healthcare. These conversations help researchers and healthcare providers develop culturally appropriate interventions and services that are sensitive to the unique needs of ethnic minority communities.
Moreover, the event highlighted the role of social determinants of health, such as housing conditions, language barriers, and socioeconomic status, which often contribute to disparities in healthcare outcomes.
Community Engagement and Health Awareness
Health fairs are not just about providing medical information—they also encourage a sense of community and shared responsibility for health and well-being. The Pre-Ramadan Health Fair highlighted how culturally relevant engagement strategies can increase participation and improve health literacy. By incorporating elements like henna, which holds cultural significance for many attendees, the event created an environment where visitors felt welcomed and respected, promoting a sense of community.
The presence of mental health services, addiction recovery programs, and chronic disease management resources demonstrated the comprehensive approach of the organizers toward community well-being. This multidisciplinary approach ensured that attendees could address multiple aspects of their health in one setting.
Summing up…..
By providing opportunities for health screening, education, and direct engagement with healthcare providers, these events contribute to improving health literacy among local residents. They empower people to take proactive steps toward healthier lifestyles and foster collaboration between healthcare providers and community members. For ethnic minority communities, health events such as the Pre-Ramadan Health Fair in Rochdale, offer a crucial platform to address health inequalities and promote preventative care.
Authors: Dr M M Golam Rabbani and Tahsin Tabassum, Community Researchers at UPTURN, University of York, UK
Acknowledgments: We are very grateful to Karen Glerum-Brooks, PPI and Stakeholder Engagement Manager, York Trials Unit, who invited us to attend the event and collaborate with her to share our work. We are also thankful to all the members of BACP who provided an incredible venue, a huge audience, excellent suggestions, and delicious food.