Enoch Kanagaraj BEM, member of Stanborough Park church and CEO of One Vision charity, attended the official launch of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan on 3 July. The event, hosted by UK Prime Minister Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Rt Hon Wes Streeting, marked a significant step in recognising the role of faith and community-based leadership in health equity.
SPM: Enoch, tell us about the significance of your invitation.
EK: Being invited alongside national leaders highlighted the government’s growing recognition that faith and community leaders are pivotal in shaping local health solutions. This wasn’t just about policy – it was a moment that affirmed the value of grassroots compassion, cultural understanding, and trust-building in public health.
SPM: Who did you engage with, and what did you share?
EK: I spoke with Prime Minister Starmer, Public Health Minister Rt Hon Ashley Dalton MP, and Macmillan CEO Gemma Peters. I shared how One Vision delivers culturally intelligent programmes like our Cancer Champions, carers support, mental health groups, and multilingual health outreach. I stressed that prevention starts in homes, on streets, and in places of worship – not just hospitals.
SPM: How important is faith representation in this NHS plan?
EK: It’s essential. Faith isn’t a side note – it’s central to wellbeing. For many, a place of worship is the first point of help. Faith leaders are often trusted figures, especially in underserved communities. They’re also first responders in crises and bridges to those who might otherwise be missed by mainstream services. The emotional, spiritual, and cultural aspects of health must be recognised in policy and practice.
SPM: How does One Vision ensure faith is embedded in its health work?
EK: Through our Faith and Health Network, we bring together leaders from churches, mosques, temples, the NHS, and local councils to co-create inclusive health solutions. As a Christian and Adventist, my work is shaped by Micah 6:8: “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.” This guides our efforts to empower faith leaders, run culturally sensitive campaigns, and serve communities with dignity.
SPM: Tell us about One Vision’s faith-based projects.
EK: We incorporate faith and cultural respect into everything we do – whether it’s our Macmillan Cancer Champions, mental health circles, or diabetes education. Volunteers come from the communities they serve, speaking in trusted languages and traditions. Health events are hosted in mosques, gurdwaras, temples, and churches, respecting religious customs like prayer times, fasting, and dietary practices. Faith isn’t a barrier – it’s a bridge.
SPM: What has the response been like?
EK: It’s been moving. Many people say they feel genuinely seen and respected for the first time. A Hindu woman opened up about her husband’s cancer journey to a volunteer from her temple. A young Muslim carer found courage to seek help after hearing his Imam address mental health. These sacred encounters reflect Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.” Faith is the channel through which we serve and uplift.
SPM: Can Adventist churches do more in this area?
EK: Absolutely. Our Church has a rich legacy of health and healing, but we must go beyond our walls. Now is the time to be visible beacons of wholeness in our communities. That means opening our churches for free clinics, mental health workshops, parenting classes, and lifestyle education. Let’s empower our youth to be health advocates in schools and neighbourhoods.
Our faith must be lived actively and compassionately. As Jesus said in Luke 4:18, we are called to bring good news and healing to the broken. This is our moment to rise to that calling.
SPM:Thank you, Enoch. May your work continue to bless lives.
"Following the meeting, Pastor Jude Jeanvile of Tottenham Lighthouse Church highlighted the sterling work of Enoch Kanagaraj in an interview with 3ABN during the GC Session in St. Louis, Missouri. He commended Enoch's efforts in engaging with both the community and UK authorities to enhance the church’s visibility." See the interview in the link here.