Rooted & Rising: Reclaiming health for Black women
Rooted & Rising – Episode 3
In Episode 3 of Rooted & Rising, Susan Cole and Dr Vanessa Apea explored some of the key health inequities continuing to affect Black women — including HIV prevention, menopause and maternal health. Leading HIV and sexual health consultant Dr Nneka Nwokolo...
Rooted & Rising is a live broadcast series confronting the health inequities affecting Black women — grounded in truth, elevating leadership, and driving action for change.
Phoenix Health Movement on BBC London
Susan Cole from Phoenix Health Movement was interviewed by BBC London for a news report highlighting increased rates of HIV in Black women.
The full feature can be watched here – HIV in London Report
Watch Positive Health on YouTube
Positive Health – Season 2 – Episode 1
Positive Health returned for Season 2 with an important and wide-ranging discussion on HIV inequalities affecting Black communities across the globe. Episode 1 featured powerful conversations with acclaimed HIV advocate and journalist Juan Michael Porter II and Kenyan...
Subscribe to the Phoenix Health Movement YouTube Channel @PhoenixHealthM for future episodes
Who We Are
Phoenix Health Movement CIC is a community-driven organisation dedicated to addressing health inequities affecting Black women and other marginalised communities. We recognise that systemic barriers, stigma, and lack of culturally competent healthcare disproportionately impact these communities, leading to poorer health outcomes.
We challenge these disparities by providing accessible, evidence-based health information, advocating for policy change, and empowering individuals to make informed health decisions. We are committed to ensuring that every person, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, or socio-economic status, has the tools and resources they need to achieve optimal health and well-being.
Leadership team
Biography
Susan is a public speaker, broadcaster, writer and strategic communicator, focused on addressing health inequities affecting people from marginalised communities.
Starting her cross sector career as a research psychologist, with time in the corporate arena, she moved on to have over two decades of leadership in the HIV and sexual health sector, spearheading innovative initiatives with national and global impact. She’s hosted award winning international broadcast series, produced unique health video campaigns & short films tailored to the information needs of marginalised communities, led successful engagement & communication strategies, and regularly speaks at conferences & events around the world.
She is a Board Member of the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+) and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Biography
Dr Vanessa Apea is a consultant physician in Genito-urinary and HIV medicine at Barts Health NHS Trust and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London. She is also the deputy academic lead for equality, diversity and inclusion within its School of Medicine and Dentistry.
Vanessa has made reducing inequities in healthcare a central focus of her clinical work and research and has an established track record of exploring barriers to engagement in care in marginalised populations. She has a particular research interest in participatory approaches and the intersection of race, gender and health.
Vanessa is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and a Fulbright scholar.
Our Mission
To improve health outcomes and dismantle systemic barriers that prevent equitable access to healthcare for Black women and other marginalised communities.
Our Vision
A world where health equity is a reality, and all individuals can access the healthcare they need, free from discrimination and systemic barriers.
Join Us in the Movement
Health equity is a collective responsibility. We invite individuals, organisations, and stakeholders to collaborate with us in creating a more inclusive and accessible healthcare system. Whether you’re looking for reliable health information, want to support our advocacy efforts, or are interested in community engagement, we welcome you to be part of the Phoenix Health Movement.
Together, we rise. Together, we reclaim our health.