23 Jul 2026, 14:09Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DL
Parliament Highlights Vital Role of Faith Communities in Building Health
Faith leaders, healthcare professionals, parliamentarians and community organisations gathered at the Houses of Parliament to explore how faith communities can play a greater role in improving public health and reducing health inequalities.
Hosted by Matt Turmaine MP, in partnership with One Vision charity, the event, The Role of Faith in Health, brought together more than 120 representatives from Parliament, the NHS, local government, academia, emergency services, voluntary organisations and faith communities to consider how stronger partnerships can help create healthier communities.
For the Seventh-day Adventist Church, whose health ministry has long promoted whole-person wellbeing, the gathering reaffirmed the relevance of its biblical approach to health, prevention and community engagement.
A Shared Vision for Health
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Durka Dougall, Chief Executive of the Centre for Population Health, who challenged delegates to move beyond treating illness towards creating healthier communities through prevention, local leadership and neighbourhood partnerships.
The event also featured contributions from leaders representing the NHS, Macmillan Cancer Support, Hertfordshire County Council, Health Innovation East, Hertfordshire Constabulary, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the voluntary sector, all highlighting the value of trusted community organisations in improving health outcomes.
Speaking after the event, Matt Turmaine MP, Member of Parliament for Watford, welcomed the collaboration between statutory services and faith organisations.
“It was a pleasure to host the One Vision event, The Role of Faith in Health, in Parliament. The session brought together faith leaders from across Hertfordshire alongside statutory service providers to share knowledge and experience of how faith communities and health providers are working together.”
He added that Professor Dougall’s emphasis on creating health rather than simply treating illness aligned closely with the Government’s NHS Ten-Year Plan.
Adventist Health Ministry Recognised
Among the keynote contributors was Sharon Platt-McDonald, Health Ministries Director for the British Union Conference and Trustee of One Vision charity, who highlighted the distinctive contribution faith communities make to whole-person wellbeing.
She said:
“The Seventh-day Adventist Church has always understood that caring for people means caring for the whole person. Faith communities are trusted places where relationships are built, hope is restored and healthy choices are encouraged. By working alongside health and community partners, we can make a meaningful contribution to reducing health inequalities and supporting healthier neighbourhoods.”
The event showcased practical partnerships between One Vision charity, the NHS, Macmillan Cancer Support and Health Innovation East, demonstrating how churches can become trusted venues for cancer awareness, cardiovascular screening, support for unpaid carers, tackling loneliness and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Faith in Action
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DL, founder and CEO of One Vision charity, said the gathering demonstrated how churches can contribute meaningfully to healthier communities through compassionate service and practical support.
He noted that many of the pressures facing today’s healthcare system can be addressed through healthier lifestyles, stronger relationships, emotional wellbeing and faith, principles that have been central to the Adventist health message for more than 160 years.
“Jesus spent far more time healing than preaching,” he observed. “His ministry addressed people’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs together, providing a model that continues to inspire the Church’s health ministry today.”
Strengthening Communities Together
The evening concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration between faith communities and statutory organisations, recognising that lasting improvements in public health depend on prevention, trusted local relationships and community leadership.
Faith leaders, healthcare professionals, parliamentarians and community organisations gathered at the Houses of Parliament to explore how faith communities can play a greater role in improving public health and reducing health inequalities.
Hosted by Matt Turmaine MP, in partnership with One Vision charity, the event, The Role of Faith in Health, brought together more than 120 representatives from Parliament, the NHS, local government, academia, emergency services, voluntary organisations and faith communities to consider how stronger partnerships can help create healthier communities.
For the Seventh-day Adventist Church, whose health ministry has long promoted whole-person wellbeing, the gathering reaffirmed the relevance of its biblical approach to health, prevention and community engagement.
A Shared Vision for Health
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Durka Dougall, Chief Executive of the Centre for Population Health, who challenged delegates to move beyond treating illness towards creating healthier communities through prevention, local leadership and neighbourhood partnerships.
The event also featured contributions from leaders representing the NHS, Macmillan Cancer Support, Hertfordshire County Council, Health Innovation East, Hertfordshire Constabulary, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the voluntary sector, all highlighting the value of trusted community organisations in improving health outcomes.
Speaking after the event, Matt Turmaine MP, Member of Parliament for Watford, welcomed the collaboration between statutory services and faith organisations.
“It was a pleasure to host the One Vision event, The Role of Faith in Health, in Parliament. The session brought together faith leaders from across Hertfordshire alongside statutory service providers to share knowledge and experience of how faith communities and health providers are working together.”
He added that Professor Dougall’s emphasis on creating health rather than simply treating illness aligned closely with the Government’s NHS Ten-Year Plan.
Adventist Health Ministry Recognised
Among the keynote contributors was Sharon Platt-McDonald, Health Ministries Director for the British Union Conference and Trustee of One Vision charity, who highlighted the distinctive contribution faith communities make to whole-person wellbeing.
She said:
“The Seventh-day Adventist Church has always understood that caring for people means caring for the whole person. Faith communities are trusted places where relationships are built, hope is restored and healthy choices are encouraged. By working alongside health and community partners, we can make a meaningful contribution to reducing health inequalities and supporting healthier neighbourhoods.”
The event showcased practical partnerships between One Vision charity, the NHS, Macmillan Cancer Support and Health Innovation East, demonstrating how churches can become trusted venues for cancer awareness, cardiovascular screening, support for unpaid carers, tackling loneliness and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Faith in Action
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DL, founder and CEO of One Vision charity, said the gathering demonstrated how churches can contribute meaningfully to healthier communities through compassionate service and practical support.
He noted that many of the pressures facing today’s healthcare system can be addressed through healthier lifestyles, stronger relationships, emotional wellbeing and faith, principles that have been central to the Adventist health message for more than 160 years.
“Jesus spent far more time healing than preaching,” he observed. “His ministry addressed people’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs together, providing a model that continues to inspire the Church’s health ministry today.”
Strengthening Communities Together
The evening concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration between faith communities and statutory organisations, recognising that lasting improvements in public health depend on prevention, trusted local relationships and community leadership.
