Last Wednesday evening, 27 November 2024, the Whitechapel Art Gallery in East London became a hub of inspiration and connection as over 120 people came together to celebrate our work in maternal health.
A Showcase of Impact
The evening centred on Elly Charity’s Health Literacy Project, which empowers non-English speaking pregnant women to better navigate the healthcare system. Co-created with community researchers, healthcare professionals, ESOL teachers, and the women it aims to support, the project addresses critical health inequalities.
The gallery’s space was transformed into an immersive exhibition, with photographs by Nataliya Vasilkonovachronicling key moments of the project and portraits of some of the women who participated. Large visuals by Lim Visualisation captured Elly Charity’s journey alongside a 3-meter-long piece highlighting the structure and content of the Health Literacy Project course.
Stories and Reflections
Guests heard heartfelt reflections from participants, teachers, and healthcare professionals involved in the project, highlighting the difference it has made. From early focus groups to the course's delivery and impact, their stories brought the project’s journey to life.
A standout moment was the premiere of a short five-minute video, where a wider range of contributors and participants shared their experiences. The video reflected the collaborative spirit behind the initiative, emphasizing the meaningful impact it has had on those who developed and benefited from it.
“This event reminded us how much we can achieve when we come together to create change. The Health Literacy Project is a testament to the power of collaboration.”
Ms. Mandeep Kaler, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
UK-Based Training Initiatives
The event also highlighted Elly Charity’s training programmes in the UK, which focus on advancing clinical skills for healthcare professionals. These include the MRCOG Part 3 Preparation Courses which equip candidates with the skills needed to excel in the clinical assessment exam. In addition, the Basic Surgical Skills Courses teach safe surgical techniques and obstetric clinical skills, benefiting junior doctors and other medical professionals. And the Laparoscopy Courses train healthcare professionals in advanced laparoscopic surgical techniques, equipping them with the latest skills and practices to enhance patient care. These efforts ensure that healthcare professionals are better prepared to provide high-quality care to women, furthering Elly Charity’s mission to improve maternal health.
Global Maternal Health Initiatives
TV screens featured videos and photos showcasing Elly Charity’s international work, including projects in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Malaysia, and Tanzania. These initiatives have focused on improving maternal health outcomes by supporting healthcare systems, providing life-changing obstetric surgeries, and empowering women through holistic rehabilitation programmes.
Looking Ahead
As the evening concluded, the focus shifted toward the future. Elly Charity is committed to scaling the Health Literacy Project and expanding global maternal health initiatives in 2025. With ongoing collaboration and support, we will continue working to create safer, healthier experiences for women everywhere.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable event.
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