Over the past year, our How’s Thi Ticker campaign has proved a big hit with our communities, with nearly 5,000 free blood pressure checks delivered to date.
The team has travelled across Barnsley, popping up everywhere from local markets and libraries to community centres and barbershops.
Working closely with the NHS, Area Teams, pharmacies and local businesses, we’ve held more than 300 sessions since we launched in Thurnscoe last summer.
These sessions help us make it easier for local people to get their blood pressure checked and have important conversations about looking after your heart.
Of those checked at our sessions, 40% have then been referred to their GP or local pharmacy to help bring down their numbers.
With communities at the heart of our How’s Thi Ticker campaign, it’s great to see the impact our offer is having in people’s lives. When the team visited Penistone Market recently, we had some really great feedback about our sessions.
Timothy Mawson, who lives in Dodworth, told us: “It helps me to continue focusing on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and compliments the support I receive from health coaches. I find the team to be professional, approachable, helpful and friendly.”
Councillor Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “In Barnsley, we want everyone to be able to live life in good physical and mental health. Our How’s Thi Ticker campaign is helping to bring free blood pressure checks to the heart of our communities, encouraging more people to get tested for the first time.
“By going out to local people, whether that be at local events or where they get their hair cut, I’m delighted to see many residents taking up the offer and learning more about their blood pressure. Getting a blood pressure check is quick, easy and could save your life – so I would encourage anyone who hasn’t had theirs checked recently to come and speak to the team.”
We’re regularly out and about across Barnsley, running sessions where you can find out your numbers and get advice on looking after your heart. Visit Barnsley Council’s Facebook page for the latest information on where we’re popping up next.
We also run dedicated sessions with local businesses, where we can help your employees learn more about their ticker. If you want to run a session for your workforce, please email HowsThiTicker@barnsley.gov.uk.
For most people, high blood pressure won’t come with any symptoms. However, if it’s not diagnosed and treated, it can lead to serious health problems, including heart attacks and strokes. If you’re concerned about your blood pressure, pop into your local pharmacy or visit your GP.
There are lots of simple things you can do to bring your numbers down, including cutting down on alcohol, stopping smoking, being more active and eating a diet that’s low in salt.
