Somerford Grove Practice
Autumn 2026 Newsletter

Hackney's Black History Season 2026 is a programme of community-led events and activity, with listings from 7 October to 12 December. It includes exhibitions, walks, talks, dance, comedy, storytelling and family days, and more events are still being added. 

Hackney marks Black history all year round through Hackney Black History 365, a year-round listing of events and resources about the borough's Black past, present and future.

This year's poster artwork is by Giana De Dier, who photographed Hackney changemakers in 2025. One of them, community activist Rena Kydd-Williams, has had her portrait placed in the National Portrait Gallery.

Find the full programme, with dates and booking details

Fibroids are a very common condition affecting many women throughout their lives. They are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb and can cause symptoms such as heavy periods, pelvic pain, bloating, tiredness from anaemia, and sometimes fertility problems. For some women, fibroids have little impact, but for others they can affect daily activities, work, relationships, and overall wellbeing.

We also know that fibroids are particularly common among Black women, who are more likely to develop them at a younger age and experience more severe symptoms. Yet many women describe living with symptoms for years before seeking help, often because heavy or painful periods have been normalised or dismissed. No one should feel that they have to simply “put up with” symptoms that are affecting their quality of life.

Talking about fibroids also gives us an opportunity to reflect on health inequalities and systemic racism. Systemic racism refers to the barriers and disadvantages that some ethnic groups can face within wider society and healthcare systems. These inequalities can influence how quickly symptoms are recognised, how comfortable people feel accessing care, and whether they feel listened to when they seek help. While healthcare professionals strive to provide compassionate and fair care, it is important to acknowledge that patients’ experiences are not always equal.

At our practice, we believe that every patient deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported. We encourage anyone experiencing heavy periods, pelvic pain, persistent bloating, or concerns about fertility to speak with a member of our clinical team. By raising awareness of fibroids and continuing to address health inequalities, we can help ensure that all women receive the timely care, understanding, and treatment they deserve.

Meet your neighbours, learn something new and feel better, all at your surgery.

Together Better is a scheme from Volunteer Centre Hackney, working with Hackney GP surgeries. It offers free, friendly activities that are good for your health and your wellbeing. Many are led by volunteers, and the programme grows from what patients ask for.

Everyone is welcome. Your GP or any member of our team can refer you, or you can contact the Together Better team directly to book. You can also volunteer and share a skill.