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THE CHAMPIONS AGAINST INEQUALITY
We are the champions against inequality
Diane Johnson, Community and Wellbeing Champion from Church End
Poverty and inequality has always cost lives but the coronavirus pandemic has shone a light on the need to tackle these issues across the country
It is clear that the impact of COVID-19 has not been lived in Brent for many years so know their local area very spread equally across the country and it is usually the well and are connected to others in their community. poorest who are hit the hardest. Diane said “I am very passionate about reaching out to
Even before the pandemic swept across the globe, people… If someone is on the other side of the world, Brent Council was taking positive action to explore the wherever possible I will help them.” causes of and find solutions to inequality locally. Alperton resident Anish Gohil started Active Alperton
Both the independent Poverty Commission, which was during lockdown which involves taking people on walks chaired by Lord Best, and the Brent Black Community and promoting the importance of exercising. He saw the
Action Plan aim to address some of the inequalities faced positive effect of people coming together and was keen by residents in Britain’s most diverse borough. to continue this work. “When the opportunity came to
A new team of neighbourhood based Health and work along with Brent, I grabbed the opportunity with
Wellbeing Community Champions, is now focusing on both my hands,” he said. some of the areas with the worst health inequalities locally. Umit Jani, also from Alperton, believes COVID-19 is
Recruited from Alperton and Church End, the new bringing to the fore the effect of mental health on many
Health and Wellbeing Community Champions find ways groups of people, and as a mental health advocate, this to better support the people most affected by the is a priority for him to address. He also shared his hopes pandemic and ensure they have the right tools to look that once the pandemic is over, people don’t lose their after their health and wellbeing now and in the future. community spirit, “that cohesion between communities
Many, including Diane Johnson from Church End, have needs to remain after this”.
For more information on keeping healthy during the pandemic visit www.brent.gov.uk/ coronavirus
Anish Gohil started Active Alperton to get people exercising
