Fun with scientists and medical doctors
Public and patient engagement events to support local BAME communities, raise awareness around pancreatic diseases and reduce health inequalities.
In the UK alone, there are around 4.5 million people live with diabetes. Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities face a higher risk of developing diabetes, pancreatitis and related health complications.
Dr Muhammad Awais, a Senior Postdoctoral Scientist and colleagues from the Liverpool Pancreatitis Research Group in the Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, utilised their Public Engagement Grant by building on the success of previous community engagement events, Biryani with Scientists & Medical Doctors (June 2023) and Coffee with Scientists & Medical Doctors (December 2022).
The team organised Fun with Scientists and Medical Doctors in July 2024 at a local multicultural community centre. The event specifically targeted hard-to-reach ethnic minority groups to raise awareness about digestive diseases, such as pancreatitis and diabetes, the relationship between diabetes and pancreatic cancer, oral health, and youth mental health in BAME communities.
With the involvement of experts, including local GPs and dentists, from diverse backgrounds, as well as prominent community leaders, Dr Awais and his team created a welcoming environment where participants felt comfortable asking questions and engaging with the speakers. Attendees also showed great interest in hands-on activities, such as constructing models of mitochondria and observing healthy and diseased pancreatic tissue under a microscope.
Children aged 8 to 12 were given lab coats and books about human organs, and they were invited on stage to read short paragraphs about their chosen organ. This activity was a hit with both kids and parents, who appreciated the thoughtful gesture of gifting books to the children.
The event was well-attended by over 70 participants from disadvantaged communities in Liverpool, including A-Level students from local sixth forms. The team plan to continue organising outreach events aimed at hard-to-reach communities in the Liverpool City Region. These efforts will contribute to reducing health inequalities and fostering a happier, healthier Liverpool.
Top tips!
Reach your target audience: "This event was advertised to >3000 people through community WhatsApp groups, including Al-Rahma Mosque, PAL Multicultural Centre, British Pakistani Community, and Hamza Masjid. Event details were shared with parents of Kingsley School, where >90% of students come from low-income families, via the school's weekly newsletter. I also personally promoted the event at several community gatherings."
Build direct community connections: "To maximise impact, involve as many people as possible from the targeted communities."
Cultural sensitivity: "Refreshments can serve as an important attraction, so it’s important to carefully select options that align with the cultural preferences and habits of the attendees."