Free 'health MOTs' as latest Wigan Borough wellbeing event heads for Hindley

Free 'health MOTs' as latest Wigan Borough wellbeing event heads for Hindley

Hindley Leisure Centre will host a health and wellbeing open day on Wednesday 29 October

Residents are being urged to get a ‘free health MOT’ when Hindley Leisure Centre hosts its next Health and Wellbeing Open Day during October half term.

Visitors to the centre on Wednesday 29 October (10am-2pm) can get a free NHS blood pressure check without an appointment (ages 18+), plus a free wellness check by the Be Well team who will also be giving away free 14-day leisure passes.

Eligible residents aged 40-74 will also be able to get a full NHS health check, while there’ll be specialist advice and support available from more than 40 stalls on a wide range of topics from bowel cancer screening, smoking, alcohol and nutrition to employment, money saving and mental wellness.

More than 400 people attended a similar event at the centre last August, and this year’s outing is expected to be a similar success.

Councillor Keith Cunliffe, deputy leader of Wigan Council and cabinet portfolio holder for adult social care and health, said: “Life can be busy, but it’s so important we make time for our health and wellbeing.

“That’s why we’re bringing together so many incredible services in one convenient location, so residents can find out about all the fantastic support that’s available to them in our local community.

“We’ve had an amazing response to our previous open days across the borough, and we can confidently say that in some cases lives have been saved simply by residents having their blood pressure checked.

“For most people the results aren’t so dramatic, but by making services more accessible and encouraging everyone to make time for their physical, mental and social wellbeing, we hope to support local people to live healthier, happier lives.”

Putting the focus on prevention and early intervention in line with the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan for England, the event has been organised by Wigan Council’s Be Well service in partnership with Hindley Primary Care Network and Health First AWL CIC.

As well as blood pressure checks for adults, residents can get a free body composition scan to measure their Body Mass Index (BMI), body fat and other metrics – while Be Well health advisors will be on hand to give advice and support with nutrition, family health, long-term conditions and other topics.

The Be Well Stop Smoking Service will be offering free carbon monoxide readings and advice for smokers, while other council services in attendance will include community link workers, care coordinators and income maximisation advisors.

Partner organisations confirmed for the event include Age UK Wigan Borough, Andy’s Man Club, Family Welfare, the Stroke Association, We Are With You and the Wigan Warriors Community Foundation’s health and wellbeing team.

For more information on the event, including a full list of stallholders and to see if you’re eligible for a NHS health check, visit the Be Well website (external link).