The urban life in Barking, East London, is characterized by the 9–5 hustle and bustle, with people engaged in economic activities from sunrise to sunset. For many, health has become more of a luxury than a necessity.

This pattern of life comes with several trade-offs, including rising cases of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and stress-related illnesses that put many families at risk. This reality is not unique to Barking but reflects a broader trend affecting communities across London.

What remains puzzling, or what we could describe as an irony, is that in an information-rich world, limited awareness about preventive care and lifestyle choices has created a gap in how residents approach their well-being.

To bridge this gap, members of the Volunteer Medical Corps from Barking and its surrounding areas hosted a P.A.L.M.S (Promoting Active Lifestyles and Medical Solutions) program.

The P.A.L.M.S program was designed to improve to promote wellness, encourage healthy habits, and ignite a passion for vibrant living in beneficiaries.
The VMC team in Barking and environs set out with a refreshing reminder that being healthy isn’t a luxury but a lifestyle. They created a where individuals not only received medical attention but also learnt how small lifestyle changes could make a big difference.

Present at the event were the Mayor of Barking, several councilors, men, women, youth, and children who took part in a full experience that included: Wellness checks to help people understand their current health status, interactive health talks packed with practical tips for everyday living, simple, fun exercise sessions that had everyone moving, laughing, and learning together.

For many, the impact was personal and life-changing. One participant shared:

‘’I didn’t know exercise could be such fun and refreshing. I am glad I got to experience this.’’

One special highlight of the program was a transforming health talk segment given by seasoned medical practitioners in VMC Barking. They encouraged beneficiaries to take practical steps toward a healthier, more active life. Participants also benefited from free one-on-one health consultations, where individuals received personalized guidance and medical advice—something many may not otherwise have access to. This thoughtful addition made the program not just educational but truly transformational.

As the day came to a close, many beneficiaries walked away refreshed in body, renewed in mind, and empowered with adequate knowledge on how to live healthier, happier lives.

We encourage you to host a P.A.L.M.S. program in your community and contribute to the wellness of those around you. Together, we are advancing a health revolution—one life, one outreach, and one community at a time.

Contact the VMC: contact@volunteermedicalcorps.org

+2347089267186, +447507083847

www.volunteermedicalcorps.org