Wakefield District Health and Care Partnership has supported over 700 people to better understand their heart health at local Healthy Heart Community Hubs. The partnership was 1 of 4 NHS England test sites for an innovative cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention project. The hubs are based on a successful Canadian programme that reduced CVD in marginalised communities and aim to lower CVD deaths and illness by helping people understand their risks and supporting them to make healthier choices.
CVD is a term for conditions affecting the heart and circulatory system, including heart attacks and strokes. Over 7.6 million people in the UK live with CVD, and Wakefield has higher-than-average rates. The good news is that CVD is largely preventable, and this project aims to make a difference.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is the biggest risk factor for CVD, linked to half of all heart attacks and strokes. However, many people are unaware they have it. In Wakefield, around 10% of residents may have undiagnosed hypertension.
At the hub sessions, held in community venues like libraries and shopping centres, local people can get free blood pressure and pulse checks, plus healthy lifestyle advice from GP-based health coaches and care coordinators. Peer leaders with lived experience of CVD also share their stories to inspire others. Other services, such as stop smoking support, often attend as well.
The Healthy Heart Community Hubs have now been running for over a year, 28 sessions have taken place in Wakefield, with over 780 attendees benefiting from advice and follow-ups.
People most at risk may be invited to a session by their GP or can drop in when they see an event. Follow-up appointments can be arranged if needed.
Full evaluation results will be shared soon. Watch our video here: Healthy Hearts Community Hubs video.