Residents across West Birmingham are being invited to take a closer look at their heart health at a free community event offering health checks, expert advice and practical support to help prevent heart disease.
The Community Healthy Heart Event will take place at Hamstead Pavilion on Tuesday 4 November, from 1pm to 5pm, with local health professionals and community organisations coming together to help people take practical steps towards better heart health.
The event has been organised by the West Birmingham Locality Partnership, which brings together local representatives from the NHS, GPs, Public Health, Birmingham City Council and the third sector to address health inequalities across West Birmingham.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the Midlands and across the UK, so the event will provide residents with accessible information, advice and support to understand their heart health and reduce their risk.
Dr Saj Sarwar, GP Church Road Surgery in Aston with an interest in Cardiology, and Birmingham and Solihull ICB Cardiology Lead said: “We want this event to give people in Hamstead the opportunity to take a positive step towards better heart health. Having all local partners together in one place means residents can get trusted information, practical advice and support in a way that is accessible to them.”
A highlight of the afternoon will be a talk from Consultant Cardiologist Derek Connolly, who will share his expertise cardiovascular health, the risks to look out for and steps people can take to protect themselves.
Visitors will also be able to access a wide range of free health advice, information and practical support throughout the event. This includes free NHS health checks, helping people to better understand key health measurements such as blood pressure and know their numbers. There will also be advice of physical activity, healthy eating and making positive lifestyle changes.
Attendees can also receive support from community pharmacists, access smoking cessation services, learn CPR and find out more about preventing cardiovascular disease.
In addition, free flu and Covid-19 vaccinations will be available for eligible individuals, helping to protect those most at risk of serious illness this winter. For flu this includes adults aged 65 and over, pregnant women, carers, contacts of people who are immunocompromised, and people with certain long-term health conditions – including heart disease. The autumn Covid-19 vaccine is currently offered to adults aged 75 and over, residents in care homes, and people aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.
The event is designed to make it easier for local people to find out more about their health, ask questions and access support in a welcoming community setting, and follows another healthy heart event which took place in Lozells.
The West Birmingham Locality Partnership works to bring partners together and tackle health inequalities, supporting healthier communities and improving access to health and wellbeing services.
Event details
Community Healthy Heart Event
Date: Tuesday 4 November
Time: 1pm–5pm
Venue: Hamstead Pavilion, West Birmingham
Cost: Free