Blackpool FC Community Trust column: Advising residents on blood pressure checks and keeping their hearts healthy

Blackpool Football Club and Blackpool FC Community Trust are playing a key role, while the NHS ‘HARRI’ – Health, Advice, Recovery, Resilience and Information – van will be stationed outside Bloomfield Road, offering fans quick blood pressure checks and heart health advice.

The event aims to highlight the importance of ‘Knowing Your Numbers’ and encouraging adults to have their blood pressure checked regularly.

Dr Arif Rajpura, director of public health in Blackpool, said: “Far too many people in our community have no idea that they may be at risk of a sudden heart attack or stroke and other conditions because they have high blood pressure. There are often no symptoms to warn you.

“I would advise all adults to ‘Know Your Numbers’ and have your blood pressure tested regularly. It is very simple to do and could save your life.”

A team from a range of local health organisations will be handing out leaflets with information and sharing Darren’s inspirational story.

He is a local man who, through attending a range of sessions provided by BFCCT and moving more, has made an excellent recovery after a stroke.

Dave Maclean, BFCCT’s Active Through Football Manager, said: “We’re so proud of what Darren has achieved.

“His story is a real reminder of how important it is to know your numbers and get your blood pressure checked.

“Small steps into physical activity can lead to life-changing results. Through our programmes and community sessions, every week we see how moving more not only improves physical health but also mental wellbeing and confidence.

“We are delighted to be working alongside our partners to spread these heart health messages to reach more people and help prevent others going through what Darren did.”

BFCCT offers free weekly blood pressure checks at Bloomfield Road.

Anyone wishing to have their blood pressure checked can visit the North Stand Community Hub from 1.30pm-2.15pm on a Tuesday or pop to their local pharmacy.

Residents living with long-term health conditions, as well as anyone looking to improve their health by moving more, are encouraged to connect with Active Blackpool.

Through a range of designed pathways and strong links with GPs and health practitioners, tailored programmes are available to support individual needs.

Neil Pimlott, Active Communities’ development officer, added: “At Active Blackpool, we are in full support of the Healthy Hearts campaign, standing side-by-side with Blackpool Football Club to tackle cardiovascular health head-on.

“We are deeply passionate about lowering blood pressure across our town and reducing the risk of heart disease for all our residents.”

The Healthy Hearts campaign, possible thanks to Sport England investment, is a powerful example of how different organisations are working together with local communities to make a real difference.

By sharing personal stories like Darren’s, organisers hope that this event will help residents understand how they can take small steps to improve their health and wellbeing – and where they are able to seek advice and support.

For more information, visit either bfcct.co.uk/programmes/category/age-35-50/ or activeblackpool.co.uk/exercise-referral/