Project Details :
This project was created to tackle one of our local health priorities — cardiovascular disease (CVD). We set out to raise awareness, share practical information, and support people in making small lifestyle changes that can lead to healthier hearts and longer lives.
Building on our experience with community-led health projects, we focused on reaching those most at risk and helping to reduce health inequalities. By bringing heart health education directly into our neighbourhoods, we aimed to make prevention accessible, inclusive, and empowering for everyone.
Your Heart, Your Culture
Healthy Habits, Healthy Hearts
Heart Health for All
What We Did :
Prevention Starts with Awareness
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of illness in our communities but the good news is, it’s often preventable. Many people don’t realise they’re at risk until it’s too late. That’s why awareness is the first step to prevention.
- Hosted Community Health Workshops
- Delivered Free Blood Pressure Checks
- Distributed Easy-to Understand Educational Materials
- Engaged Local Volunteers and Health Champions
Final Results :
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Programme Report
QALYCOM Health CIC – Pilot Program Report
Programme Name: Cardiovascular Disease Prevention & Lifestyle Management
Date / Duration: 2024/2025
Location: Rochdale Borough (Central and Heywood)
Programme Overview
Objective:
To reduce cardiovascular risk among ethnically diverse adults by improving blood pressure control, promoting heart-healthy behaviours, increasing physical activity, and supporting lifestyle and diet changes.
Target Population:
Adults from African, Caribbean, South Asian, and other BAME groups aged 30–75 living with or at high risk of hypertension or CVD.
Expected Outcomes:
- Reduced blood pressure
• Improved dietary habits & physical activity
• Better understanding of CVD risk factors
• Increased home BP monitoring
• Improved wellbeing
• QALY gains
Baseline Data
Metric | Baseline (Avg) | Participants | Notes |
Blood Pressure (BP) | 142/88 mmHg | 348 | Clinic/home readings |
BMI | 29.4 | 348 | Slightly overweight range |
Physical Activity | Low | 348 | <1 hr/week avg |
Knowledge of CVD | Low | 348 | Limited understanding of risk |
Diet Quality | Moderate–poor | 348 | High salt, low fruit/veg intake |
Programme Activities
- CVD education sessions using culturally relevant materials
• Home blood pressure monitoring training (with 100+ monitors distributed)
• Group coaching on diet, salt reduction, and portion control
• Walking groups and physical activity motivation
• Guidance on NHS health checks and GP follow-up
• One-to-one lifestyle conversations
• Peer support and buddy systems
Attendance: 75% completed at least 3 sessions
BP Monitors Distributed: 100+ devices
Outcomes & Impact
Quantitative Results
Metric | Follow-up | Change |
Blood Pressure | 135/82 mmHg | ↓7/6 mmHg |
BMI | 28.9 | ↓0.5 |
Physical Activity | 2 hrs/week | ↑1 hr/week |
Home BP Monitoring | High | +60% increase |
Diet Quality | Improved | ↑35% |
QALYs Gained: 2.3
This reflects clinically meaningful improvements in cardiovascular risk.
Qualitative Feedback
- “I never knew how much salt I was eating — now I’ve reduced it and feel better.”
• “The monitor helped me realise when my BP was high so I could adjust my habits.”
• “The sessions encouraged me to start walking every day.”
Case Study — “Anthony” (CVD Programme)
“I did not understand high blood pressure before. After the programme, I changed my eating habits, walk more, and use the BP machine they gave us. My readings have gone down, and I feel more in control of my health.”
Lessons Learned
Successes:
- Home BP monitoring dramatically increased engagement
• Stronger understanding of heart health among participants
• Effective uptake of lifestyle changes
Challenges:
- Some participants struggled with maintaining long-term routines
• Language barriers for older attendees required more interpreter time
Recommendations:
- Offer monthly drop-in BP check clinics
• Continue distributing BP monitors
• Provide translated diet guides
• Create WhatsApp support groups to encourage habit continuation
Alignment With Council Goals
- Supports early intervention for heart disease
• Targets ethnic groups with higher CVD risk
• Encourages long-term lifestyle behaviour change
• Reduces inequalities in screening and risk-factor awareness
• Strengthens preventative community health capacity
Sign-Off
Prepared by: QALYCOM HEALTH CIC
Date: November 2025
