Faith, Health, and Hope in Action at Stanborough Park Church

1 May 2025, 11:00Enoch Kanagaraj BEMWatford, Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom

Faith, Health, and Hope in Action at Stanborough Park Church

The Way in Tackling Health Inequalities

Stanborough Park Church became a beacon of leadership, compassion, and action, as faith and health came together with purpose and passion.

In a powerful demonstration of community service, Faith Leaders were trained on the critical importance of blood pressure and atrial fibrillation checks, equipping them to become champions of early detection and heart health within their congregations and wider communities. Alongside this health initiative, the final day of the Church Forgiveness Project was celebrated, a profound journey of healing and reconciliation rooted in the Christian message of hope and renewal.

Reflecting the spirit of fellowship, Enoch Kanagaraj BEM, founder of One Vision, shared a home-cooked Indian meal with attendees, reminding everyone that building community health is not just about information, but also about relationships, trust, and compassion.

This achievement was made possible through outstanding collaboration:

Kevin Hallahan, Lead for Health Inequalities at NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board, commented:

“It has been a privilege to work alongside faith leaders who are so committed to making a real difference to health outcomes in their communities. Faith spaces are trusted places, and initiatives like this help save lives.”

Rachael Ford, Project Manager at Health Innovation East, added:

“Innovation in healthcare is not only about technology. It is about meeting people where they are, in ways that are meaningful to them. Today has been a shining example of that.”

Pastor James Shepley and Pastor Clifford Herman for their leadership and hospitality. They said:

“Stanborough Park Church is honoured to be part of this life-saving initiative. Our mission is to serve God by serving people, and promoting health is part of the Gospel in action.”

Faith, Health, and Hope: A Response to Health Inequalities

Black and Asian communities continue to face profound health disparities, particularly in cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, mental health, and infant and maternal mortality. These inequalities stem from a complex mix of genetics, socioeconomic barriers, lifestyle factors, and unequal access to healthcare.

Recognising the urgent need for local action, the Faith and Health Networking Board by One Vision is leading prevention-focused initiatives across Hertfordshire. By uniting faith leaders, healthcare professionals, and community organisations, the Board is building trust, promoting early intervention, and bridging the gap between services and the communities they serve.

At One Vision, prevention is not an afterthought. It is the foundation.

By empowering individuals with education, culturally intelligent support, and better access to services, One Vision and its partners are tackling inequalities before they become crises.

A fairer, healthier Hertfordshire starts with prevention, partnership, and purpose, and it starts now.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church remains committed to being at the heart of this transformational work, living out the Gospel call to serve, heal, and uplift every member of our diverse communities.

As the Bible reminds us:

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

3 John 1:2 (NKJV)

In the words of Ellen G. White:

“The gospel of Christ is to be bound up with medical missionary work. It is to be the work of the church in lifting up the fallen and healing the sick.”

Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 300

For media enquiries, please contact:

Enoch Kanagaraj

Founder, One Vision Charity

enoch@ovwatford.org

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