WellHome @ ‘The Gene Home’ – an LMS Laboratory of Medical Sciences Pop-up shop in Westfield

 

Celebrating Black History Month, the Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) invited us to be part of a week-long ‘Gene Home Pop-up’ in October half-term 2023, with WellHome activities featuring on multiple days. 

A disused shopping unit was transformed into a celebration of Black people’s successes in science, and exploration of particular health issues - such as prostate cancer and polycystic ovary syndrome - cleverly curated through a living room, kitchen, bathroom and garden. (WellHome had a novel experience being located in the ‘garden’!)

Situated in the heart of Westfield shopping centre, Community Ambassadors and researchers facilitated our interactive NO2 textile map (showing local levels of Nitrogen Dioxide), powerful short films such as this one, and family air quality activities inside the ‘Gene Home’, alongside NHS health check-ups and Black local businesses. Talented interdisciplinary PhD student Munira Elmi spoke on the relationship between indoor-outdoor air pollution and minority ethnic communities, and we connected with countless families affected by asthma and or allergies.

As well as hearing stories from Michael De Souza, author of book series Rastamouse, our highlights include engaging over 150 people, signing up 13 families to join our study of 100 homes, and stellar teamwork from WellHome scientists and Community Ambassadors – actively engaging with the community. This was a unique opportunity to connect with families and residents from wider West London in a welcoming and creative space, raising awareness of pollutants, impacts, and possible actions, within an exciting health programme with many overlapping aims. Thank you to the incredible LMS & Gene Home team for the opportunity. 

 

Schools outreach 

Visiting schools with fun-filled assemblies and workshops is an effective way of ensuring that we leave no stone unturned in the local community. WellHome successfully engaged a total of 30 schools, ranging from interactive sessions, educational pack giveaways, parents’ 
evening talks, and our Ambassadors striking up conversations at school gates to raise awareness of air pollution. We delivered a total of 19 in-person activities, featuring scientists and Ambassadors. Combined with school newsletters and e-bulletin features, we reached 
nearly 5000 pupils in the local area.

Children particularly enjoyed wearing our gigantic bubble suits (which represented air pollution), as two teams competed for the cleanest school journey!). They also liked activities such as locating their house on our interactive textile nitrogen dioxide map, and participating 
in quizzes and games. According to feedback received, 100% of teachers said the session made them want to find out more about environment, health, and air pollution. Likewise, all teachers reported an increase in their knowledge of environmental challenges.

Throughout the WellHome Study, we also gave away 200 air quality educational packs for families. Enabling them to conduct home experiments and learn about air quality first hand. With the invaluable support of school staff, our schools outreach efforts successfully reached out to more families affected by asthma or allergies, ensuring that the WellHome study includes those who can benefit the most from our research and results. We delivered hands-on sessions from Spring 2023 during British Science Week, returning back to schools in Spring 2024 to say thank you for their ongoing support and promotion of the study.

A huge thanks to: 

St John XXIII 
Ark Bentworth
Ark Conway
Ark swift
Wormholt Primary
Jack Tizard
Bevington Primary
Wendell Park Primary
Oxford Gardens
Miles Coverdale
Old Oak Primary
St Stephen’s 
Avondale Park
Phoenix Academy
Greenside Primary
Colville Primary
St Francis Assisi Primary School 
Ark Burlington Danes
Vanessa Nursery School
Queensmill School
Woodlane High
Barlby Primary
St Charles Catholic Primary
St Clement and St James CE Primary School (Kensington and Chelsea)
St Thomas’ CE Primary School
Sial Italian school
Brackenbury Primary
Cardinal Vaughan 
Kenmont Primary School
Randolph Beresford Early Years Centre