Peace. My name is Vishal, and I am a part-time Strategic Health Lead at Thames Life. I also work part-time as a Research Fellow at the University of East London at the Institute of Connected Communities and I am co-director of Every Person is Capable C.I.C, a Hip Hop/ well-being NGO doing local and international work under the UNESCO Hip Hop Declaration of Peace. I am a Thames Ward/Riverside resident and Chair of the Ripple Nature Reserve Steering Group. And to top it all off, I am currently undertaking a PhD based on my work.

 

I am active in a range of civic engagement activities and have a passion for king fu-martial arts, Breakin’ (Breakdance), Emceein’ (rap) and supporting agency for residents in community matters and in the arts.

 

My work at Thames Life works within the localities of Gasgoine, Thames and Riverside Wards, and this is working towards helping residents with health outcomes and supporting with the cost-of-living crisis by working with the Primary Care Network (NHS) and BD Collective. This takes place in a variety of ways, including support with our free sports programmes, other resident engagement forums and support with research and social cohesion.

 

I am grateful to be part of a charity with a distinct passion to help resident activation in an area where there is much potential for people to come together and make the most of sharing culture, language, and arts in the spirit of social upliftment. Being an instrumental force in shaping the future of my home with people from the area is my greatest honour.

 

My sentiments follow that of Martin Luther King Jr. in his book titled Chaos or Community? It is my earnest hope I contribute to the latter.

 

I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Vish Narayan

Health Strategy Officer