Black Country NHS teams bring blood pressure checks to Simmer Down Festival
Healthcare professionals from across the Black Country and Birmingham came together at this year's Simmer Down Festival to help tackle health inequalities by offering free blood pressure checks and advice to members of the local African and Caribbean community, with almost half (49 per cent) of those screened found to have high blood pressure.
The initiative focused on engaging with people from the African and Caribbean community, who are at greater risk of developing high blood pressure and experiencing complications such as stroke. Research shows that blood pressure control is often poorer in Black communities compared with white populations, with local data across Birmingham and the Black Country reflecting this; making early detection and culturally appropriate support especially important.
Throughout the afternoon, three blood pressure stations were available for anyone aged 18 and over, with volunteers also speaking to festivalgoers about the importance of knowing their blood pressure numbers. Advice was tailored to individuals, including discussions around the salt content of traditional Caribbean cuisine and practical lifestyle changes that can help reduce risk.
The event took place on Sunday 26th July at Handsworth Park, Birmingham, where thousands of people gathered to celebrate reggae music, arts and cultural diversity. 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), Primary Care services in Birmingham and the University of Birmingham School of Pharmacy joined forces in volunteering to promote heart health in a welcoming and informal environment.
In total, 110 blood pressure checks were carried out, alongside many more informal conversations about cardiovascular health. All those with high blood pressure measurements were provided with tailored advice and signposted for further diagnostic monitoring.
Forty per cent of those screened were under the age of 40, with one in four of these individuals recording a high blood pressure reading. By reaching younger people, the initiative is helping to identify high blood pressure earlier, before they would typically be eligible for NHS Health Checks or community pharmacy blood pressure services, which generally target people aged 40 and over. Overall, 69 per cent of those screened identified as Black, mixed race or Asian.
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."
One of the event organisers, Pharmacist Duncan Jenkins, 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 collaborative event forms part of ongoing work across the Black Country and Birmingham to improve cardiovascular health and reduce inequalities by taking healthcare services directly into local communities.