African Families in the UK (AFiUK’s) has announced that Hannah Gizatullin, Health Promotion Specialist from the Essex Sexual Health Service Education and Outreach Team, has been named one of the recipients of the 2025 Lawrence Walker Award at this year’s Health is Wealth community celebration in Clacton-on-Sea.
The Awards, delivered alongside AFiUK’s annual cancer-awareness programme, recognise outstanding contributions to community health, social inclusion and empowerment. They were created in honour of Lawrence Walker, a much-respected community leader known for his work on racial equality and suicide-prevention initiatives.
Hannah was nominated by AFiUK’s Clacton Community Ambassador, Victoria Oyekunle, for her sustained support to the Clacton Afro-Caribbean Drop-In group. Through regular training sessions, she has helped increase understanding of sexual health and wellbeing, reduce stigma and build confidence among both young people and adults, ensuring community members have the knowledge needed to make informed choices.
Essex Sexual Health Service, commissioned by Essex County Council and delivered by Provide Community, is committed to reducing health inequalities and improving access to high-quality sexual-health information and services across the county. Hannah’s work reflects this commitment by delivering culturally sensitive support in trusted community settings.
Mark Heasman, Group Chief Executive at Provide Community, said: “We are delighted that Hannah has been recognised for the remarkable contribution she has made. Her work has deepened trust, improved engagement with health services and strengthened the community’s ability to achieve positive health outcomes.
“Hannah’s consistent, grounded and culturally sensitive approach is a powerful example of public health delivered with compassion, respect and community partnership.”
AFiUK also honoured several other individuals and organisations this year, celebrating their work in strengthening local wellbeing, partnership working and community inclusion.
