19 May 2026, 12:30Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DLWatford, Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom
Macmillan Chief Executive Officer Gemma Peters Joins One Vision Charity
Faith & Health Meeting Bringing Cancer and Community Voices Together
A powerful Faith & Health Networking Board gathering took place this week at the Oswal Centre in Potters Bar, bringing together national cancer leaders, faith representatives, unpaid carers, Cancer Champions, cancer survivors, NHS partners, and grassroots organisations from across Hertfordshire.
The event, led by One Vision Charity, welcomed senior leaders from Macmillan Cancer Support, including Chief Executive Gemma Peters and Heather McCleen, alongside public health leaders, interfaith representatives, and community organisations committed to tackling health inequalities and strengthening community centred support.
Throughout the day, there were honest and heartfelt conversations around cancer inequalities, prevention, culturally intelligent care, loneliness, unpaid carers, and the importance of reaching people with compassion, dignity, and humanity. The gathering also reflected a growing desire among faith and community leaders to refocus on mission, not simply waiting for people to come to services or organisations, but intentionally going out into communities, walking alongside people, and showing the love of Christ through practical action, kindness, listening, and presence.
Across the discussions, there was recognition that many people facing illness, hardship, or isolation often suffer quietly behind closed doors. Leaders spoke about the importance of creating welcoming and trusted spaces where people feel valued and supported regardless of background, faith, or circumstance. Bible verses including Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me,” and Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens,” reflected the spirit of compassion, service, and community partnership that shaped the event.
Among those attending were Sharon Platt McDonald, Director for Women’s Health and Community Services at BUC, Dr Jude Jeanville, Senior Pastor, Dr Tanvir Alam, GP and Deputy Medical Director, and Pastor João Macedo from St Albans, who attended alongside his wife in support of stronger faith and community partnerships.
Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DL, Founder and Chief Executive of One Vision Charity, said:
“Today reminded us that real impact happens when we move beyond conversations and genuinely connect with people in our communities. Across Hertfordshire, many individuals are carrying silent struggles, whether through illness, caring responsibilities, loneliness, poverty, or fear.
As people of faith and community leaders, we are called not only to speak about compassion, but to demonstrate it through action, presence, and service. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 25:40, ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
This is why partnership working matters. We must continue going out into communities, listening to people, standing alongside them, and showing the love, care, and dignity of Christ through practical support and human connection. Communities are not hard to reach; communities are hard to reach without trust.”
Sharon Platt McDonald said:
“It was inspiring to witness such a diverse range of leaders and community voices united around compassion, wellbeing, and hope. The conversations were deeply moving and highlighted the importance of working together to support those affected by cancer and hardship.”
Dr Jude Jeanville added:
“Faith communities have a unique role in bringing comfort, encouragement, and healing into people’s lives. Galatians 6:2 reminds us to ‘Carry each other’s burdens,’ and that spirit was reflected strongly throughout today’s gathering.”l
Dr Tanvir Alam said:
“Faith matters because trust matters. Many communities engage first with trusted faith leaders and community spaces long before they engage with formal healthcare services. If we genuinely want to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes, we must work alongside faith communities with humility, understanding, and cultural intelligence. Faith settings are not separate from health and wellbeing. They are often at the heart of prevention, emotional support, belonging, and community resilience.”
The event also highlighted the continued growth of the Faith & Health Networking Board, which is helping build stronger relationships between faith settings, NHS organisations, local authorities, and grassroots community groups across Hertfordshire.
A special thank you was given to the Oswal Centre, Jains UK, Rumit Shah, Dr Hina, and the wider leadership team for hosting the gathering and creating a welcoming environment for meaningful dialogue and partnership.
As One Vision Charity continues its mission across Hertfordshire and beyond, the organisation says its focus remains clear: building bridges between communities and services, standing alongside people in times of need, and ensuring that compassion, trust, and the love of Christ are reflected through practical action and community service.
A powerful Faith & Health Networking Board gathering took place this week at the Oswal Centre in Potters Bar, bringing together national cancer leaders, faith representatives, unpaid carers, Cancer Champions, cancer survivors, NHS partners, and grassroots organisations from across Hertfordshire.
The event, led by One Vision Charity, welcomed senior leaders from Macmillan Cancer Support, including Chief Executive Gemma Peters and Heather McCleen, alongside public health leaders, interfaith representatives, and community organisations committed to tackling health inequalities and strengthening community centred support.
Throughout the day, there were honest and heartfelt conversations around cancer inequalities, prevention, culturally intelligent care, loneliness, unpaid carers, and the importance of reaching people with compassion, dignity, and humanity. The gathering also reflected a growing desire among faith and community leaders to refocus on mission, not simply waiting for people to come to services or organisations, but intentionally going out into communities, walking alongside people, and showing the love of Christ through practical action, kindness, listening, and presence.
Across the discussions, there was recognition that many people facing illness, hardship, or isolation often suffer quietly behind closed doors. Leaders spoke about the importance of creating welcoming and trusted spaces where people feel valued and supported regardless of background, faith, or circumstance. Bible verses including Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me,” and Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens,” reflected the spirit of compassion, service, and community partnership that shaped the event.
Among those attending were Sharon Platt McDonald, Director for Women’s Health and Community Services at BUC, Dr Jude Jeanville, Senior Pastor, Dr Tanvir Alam, GP and Deputy Medical Director, and Pastor João Macedo from St Albans, who attended alongside his wife in support of stronger faith and community partnerships.
Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DL, Founder and Chief Executive of One Vision Charity, said:
“Today reminded us that real impact happens when we move beyond conversations and genuinely connect with people in our communities. Across Hertfordshire, many individuals are carrying silent struggles, whether through illness, caring responsibilities, loneliness, poverty, or fear.
As people of faith and community leaders, we are called not only to speak about compassion, but to demonstrate it through action, presence, and service. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 25:40, ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
This is why partnership working matters. We must continue going out into communities, listening to people, standing alongside them, and showing the love, care, and dignity of Christ through practical support and human connection. Communities are not hard to reach; communities are hard to reach without trust.”
Sharon Platt McDonald said:
“It was inspiring to witness such a diverse range of leaders and community voices united around compassion, wellbeing, and hope. The conversations were deeply moving and highlighted the importance of working together to support those affected by cancer and hardship.”
Dr Jude Jeanville added:
“Faith communities have a unique role in bringing comfort, encouragement, and healing into people’s lives. Galatians 6:2 reminds us to ‘Carry each other’s burdens,’ and that spirit was reflected strongly throughout today’s gathering.”l
Dr Tanvir Alam said:
“Faith matters because trust matters. Many communities engage first with trusted faith leaders and community spaces long before they engage with formal healthcare services. If we genuinely want to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes, we must work alongside faith communities with humility, understanding, and cultural intelligence. Faith settings are not separate from health and wellbeing. They are often at the heart of prevention, emotional support, belonging, and community resilience.”
The event also highlighted the continued growth of the Faith & Health Networking Board, which is helping build stronger relationships between faith settings, NHS organisations, local authorities, and grassroots community groups across Hertfordshire.
A special thank you was given to the Oswal Centre, Jains UK, Rumit Shah, Dr Hina, and the wider leadership team for hosting the gathering and creating a welcoming environment for meaningful dialogue and partnership.
As One Vision Charity continues its mission across Hertfordshire and beyond, the organisation says its focus remains clear: building bridges between communities and services, standing alongside people in times of need, and ensuring that compassion, trust, and the love of Christ are reflected through practical action and community service.
