Step-Up Cardiovascular Disease Project
Last year, our bid for a portion of the Step-Up fund was successful – where we have designed a pilot project aimed at boosting heart and vascular health in Birkenhead. This initiative is all about weaving cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention into the fabric of our community by teaming up with local social supermarkets, food banks, allotments, growers, and household fund providers.
Our focus is on creating an approach that can help people of all ages, promoting a healthier lifestyle for everyone.
Why is this important?
Heart disease is a leading cause of illness in the UK, especially in areas like Cheshire and Merseyside. In places such as Birkenhead A, economic challenges often lead to higher rates of conditions like high blood pressure, which increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, vascular dementia and kidney issues. Residents in the most deprived communities are 30% more likely to experience high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for CVD.
Diet plays a crucial role in preventing heart disease. However, many low-income households struggle to access and maintain a heart-healthy diet. Financial constraints, limited availability of fresh and nutritious foods, and a reliance on processed options contribute to higher CVD risks. Social and cultural factors, a lack of nutrition education, and limited time for meal preparation further hinder the adoption of healthier eating habits.
By boosting health knowledge, promoting heart-healthy diets, and improving access to care, this project aims to benefit residents of Birkenhead A and serve as a model for tackling health inequalities in other underserved communities.
Working Together
We’re delighted to have Amy Butterworth from Make It Happen helping to connect us with local food banks, allotments, growers, and household fund providers.
This project not only supports the NHS’s focus on preventing cardiovascular disease, as outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan, but also aligns with national efforts to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes for all.
We encourage both professionals and community members to join us in this vital effort to combat heart disease and foster a healthier, well-informed community.
Key Achievements – Year 1
- Engaged with 460+ members of the community
- Supported 19 community organisations
- Delivered 40+ 1:1 sessions and/or workshops such as CVD Healthy Heart Meals, Smoothies and Chat, Healthy Community Cooking, Healthy Heart Brunch and Learn, Love Your Leftover, Action on Salt, and Empowering Community with Cardiovascular Health Training
- Delivered 55+ Health Checks and Health MOTs
- Completed 150+ Blood Pressure checks
Moving Forward
We are delighted to have successfully secured another year of funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, enabling us to build on the success of our pilot programme in Birkenhead. With this continued support, we will expand the initiative across the whole of Wirral, helping to tackle CVD and support healthier communities.
The programme focuses on supporting people to adopt heart-healthy habits, with particular emphasis on communities experiencing high levels of deprivation and health inequality, where rates of high blood pressure remain a significant concern. Our dedicated Health Coach will continue to lead the programme, working in partnership with local food network organisations to deliver monthly workshops focused on heart health, nutrition, and practical lifestyle changes.”