Black Country NHS teams bring blood pressure checks to Simmer Down Festival
"It's a great example of how taking healthcare into the community can make it more accessible and encourage people to take positive steps towards looking after their health"
Healthcare professionals from across the Black Country and Birmingham carried out free blood pressure checks at this year's Simmer Down Festival, with almost half of those screened found to have high blood pressure.
The initiative aimed to help tackle health inequalities by reaching people from the African and Caribbean community, who are at greater risk of developing high blood pressure and related conditions such as stroke.
The event took place at Handsworth Park, Birmingham, on Sunday, July 26, where thousands of people gathered to celebrate reggae music, arts and cultural diversity.
Three blood pressure stations were available throughout the afternoon for anyone aged 18 and over, while volunteers spoke to festivalgoers about the importance of knowing their blood pressure numbers. Advice was tailored to individuals and included discussions about the salt content of traditional Caribbean cuisine and practical lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Staff from The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust, Walsall Manor Healthcare NHS Trust, the Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), Birmingham primary care services and the University of Birmingham School of Pharmacy worked together to deliver the initiative.
In total, 110 blood pressure checks were carried out, with 49 per cent of those screened recording high blood pressure readings. Everyone identified with raised blood pressure was offered personalised advice and signposted for further diagnostic monitoring.
The initiative also reached younger adults, with 40 per cent of those screened aged under 40. One in four people in this age group recorded a high blood pressure reading, highlighting the importance of early detection before people become eligible for routine NHS Health Checks, which generally begin at the age of 40. Overall, 69 per cent of those screened identified as Black, mixed race or Asian.
Research shows blood pressure control is often poorer in Black communities than in white populations, with local data across Birmingham and the Black Country reflecting this, making early detection and culturally appropriate support especially important.
Diane Wake, Group Chief Executive of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust, said: "Events like Simmer Down Festival give us a valuable opportunity to meet people where they are, breaking down barriers to healthcare and having conversations that could make a real difference to someone's future health.
"High blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is why these simple checks are so important. By working together across organisations and alongside local communities, we can help identify risks earlier, reduce health inequalities and support people to live healthier lives."
Pharmacist Duncan Jenkins, one of the event organisers, said: "The response from the community was fantastic. People were happy to stop, have their blood pressure checked and ask questions in a relaxed, non-judgemental setting.
"We had some really meaningful conversations about heart health and were able to offer personalised advice that reflected people's lifestyles and cultural backgrounds.
"It's a great example of how taking healthcare into the community can make it more accessible and encourage people to take positive steps towards looking after their health."
The event forms part of ongoing work across the Black Country and Birmingham to improve cardiovascular health and reduce health inequalities by taking healthcare services directly into local communities.