Healthy Living Support
Derby West Indian Community Association (DWICA) has supported the health of its members, and the wider community, for over six decades.
Tackling health inequalities and supporting healthy living
Derby West Indian Community Association (DWICA) has supported the health of its members, and the wider community, for over six decades. Fitness and exercise sessions have been provided regularly for all ages alongside awareness raising activities, most recently to encourage take up of Covid-19 vaccinations.
The Derby Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Support Group
Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia predominantly affects people of Black African and
Caribbean heritage.
In 1989 DWICA responded to Members concerns by setting up this support group to provide a comprehensive service for those with these inherited blood disorders, their families and their friends. The group provided accurate information to health professionals, whilst raising public awareness, knowledge and understanding.
The group provided financial assistance towards hospital bills, where possible, and sponsored trips for young people in partnership with the then, Derby City General Hospital.
The group established a working relationship with the Organisation for Sickle Cell Anaemia Relief (OSCAR) in the West Midlands and Nottingham, the Sickle Cell Society, Sickle Watch and Sickle Cell Anaemia Research Foundation in London.
This work was recognised by Margret Beckett, MP Derby South, who was also a patron. DWICA would like to acknowledge the late Mrs A F Brown (aka Flo) for dedicating her time and effort as Chairperson of this group.