Megan has been supporting the Copeland Community Stroke Prevention Project, working alongside local volunteers, Whitehaven Castle Rotary, the Stroke Association, NHS services, community pharmacies and Public Health to take health advice and blood pressure checks into local communities. 

The group holds regular pop-up events in and around Whitehaven and Egremont, where people can get their blood pressure and heart rhythm checked and find out more about their health.

The project was set up because Copeland has high rates of stroke, with rates up to 104% higher than the national average. The aim is to help people spot possible health problems early, rather than waiting until they become unwell or experience a serious health problem.

Megan has supported five community health roadshows by carrying out blood pressure checks when a community pharmacist hasn’t been available. She said:

“Taking simple health checks directly into our communities gives people the opportunity to understand their blood pressure and take action before a problem becomes an emergency. It has been incredibly rewarding to be part of a partnership that makes prevention more accessible, particularly in communities where we know health inequalities exist. If even one conversation or health check encourages someone to seek support earlier and helps prevent a stroke, that is a truly meaningful outcome.”

And these simple checks can make a real difference.

One attendee recently returned to a community health roadshow and shared that, following blood pressure checks at a previous event, they were advised to seek further support from their GP. This led to a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The attendee expressed their gratitude to the team and highlighted the difference the health check had made.

A one-off blood pressure check can’t diagnose a condition, but it can show when someone may need to have their blood pressure checked further. Where needed, people can then be encouraged to speak to their GP, pharmacist or another health professional.

Charlotte Pace, Copeland Stroke Prevention Voluntary Coordinator, added:

“This group of volunteers and professionals thoroughly enjoy meeting people in communities and spending time with each other. It is a great example of a community-led, NHS enabled partnership. A simple and effective no-frills model that is locally based and meets people where they are, spending time in their communities.”

Want to know your numbers? You can get your blood pressure checked at many pharmacies, GP practices and other local health services.