In a groundbreaking initiative, community champions across Kirklees have made significant strides in raising awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD). The campaign, led by Third Sector Leaders (TSL) Kirklees and which aims to improve understanding and support for CVD, has reached thousands of residents through a series of targeted activities and community engagements.
Campaign highlights
The campaign’s primary goals were to enhance awareness of all types of CVD, educate people on the signs and symptoms, and encourage individuals to ‘know their numbers’, for example, blood pressure readings. The initiative also sought to provide crucial signposting support and gather insights into the barriers faced by different health inclusion groups.
Community engagement
Community champions played a pivotal role in this campaign. In May and June 2024 they conducted 1,340 one-to-one conversations and 67 group visits, reaching a total of 669 people. They also performed 461 blood pressure readings and thanks to ‘community conversations’ funding went along to four smaller community groups, extending their reach to an additional 222 individuals.
These champions, trusted figures within their communities, leveraged their local knowledge to engage with people in familiar settings such as museums, community centres, supermarkets, and places of worship. Their efforts were particularly focused on reaching those with multiple risk factors for poor health.
Breaking down barriers
One of the campaign’s key achievements was identifying and addressing barriers to healthcare access. Many residents were unaware of what CVD entails, with some thinking it only referred to heart attacks. Fear of appointments, language and cultural barriers, and digital divides were also significant obstacles.
“Zubair doesn’t speak English,” one champion recounted. “I spoke to him in Punjabi. He knew he had high blood pressure but was not fully sure how this would affect his health and wellbeing. I advised him to speak to his doctor, and by the end of the conversation, he understood how important this was!”
Positive impact
The campaign’s impact has been profound. A total of 985 people reported an improved understanding of CVD, while 691 individuals gained insights into leading healthier lifestyles. Additionally, 461 people had their blood pressure checked and received follow-up advice, and 479 eligible individuals were informed about free NHS health checks.
“I have had my blood pressure done three times now by a champion,” one participant shared. “It is still higher than it should be. I have taken their advice and booked a GP appointment - they were keen to get me in to check me over—thank you!”
Another participant said: “Today I learnt that I am not too old to change habits to make me as healthy as I can be.” While another fed back: “I don’t know much on this topic as it is not something that we ever talk about in my house, I have learnt loads today.”
Community conversations
The initiative also included ‘community conversations,’ where smaller funding amounts were awarded to voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations to ensure health messages reached specific inclusion groups. This approach proved effective, with 222 additional people reached and 15 volunteers engaged in the activities.
“During our food share event, one gentleman had his blood pressure taken for the first time,” a champion noted. “After using the NHS health assessment tool to check the reading and seeing it was very high, we advised that he speak to the GP surgery, who said that he definitely needed to come in - he booked an appointment. Someone who would have not been picked up if he wasn’t accessing the community food share where trained champions were present!”
Conclusion
The CVD campaign in Kirklees has demonstrated the power of community engagement in promoting health awareness and breaking down barriers to healthcare access. The dedication and local knowledge of community champions have been instrumental in reaching diverse groups and making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
“Monday at Tolson, I called it helpful Monday. It’s the best thing for mental and physical care. Everyone is lovely and very helpful. I have encouraged lots of my friends to come to have their blood pressure checked!” shared a participant from the ‘Mondays at the Museum’ sessions.
Third Sector Leaders TSL Kirklees, West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership and Kirklees Health and Care Partnership back the campaign, which initally got off the ground thanks to a successful partnership-wide bid for NHSE CVD health inequalities funding. As the campaign continues, the focus remains on empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to lead healthier lives, proving that a familiar face in a familiar place can indeed yield great results.
Find out more
Community champions - Third Sector Leaders TSL Kirklees web page