Healthy Telford is committed to improving heart health across the borough by helping residents identify and manage high blood pressure. Through our Community Blood Pressure Project, we offer free blood pressure checks in a range of local community settings, making it easier for people to ‘know their numbers’.

Our aim is to identify individuals living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, a condition that often has no symptoms but can increase the risk of serious health problems such as heart attack and stroke. We then connect people with the information, services, and support they need to help reduce their risk and improve their long-term health and wellbeing.

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure can make your heart and blood vessels work too hard. It usually does not make you feel unwell, so most people do not know they have it. The only way to find out if your blood pressure is high is to get it checked.

If high blood pressure is not treated, it can damage your heart, blood vessels, kidneys and eyes. It can also increase the chance of serious illnesses, such as heart attacks and strokes. In some cases, these health problems can be life-changing or even cause death.

The good news is that a blood pressure check is quick and easy. Finding high blood pressure early means you can get the right help to stay healthy, protect your heart and reduce the risk of serious health problems in the future.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can develop high blood pressure, but some people are more likely to have it than others. Your risk is higher if you:

• Are aged 40 or over
• Have a Black African, Black Caribbean or South Asian background
• Are overweight
• Smoke
• Drink too much alcohol
• Have family members with high blood pressure
• Do not do much physical activity

Where can I get my blood pressure checked for free?

You can get your blood pressure checked in lots of places across Telford and Wrekin, including:

• Live Well Community Hubs
• Pharmacies
• Your GP surgery
• Community centres

Location	Frequency	Times	Dates
The Sambrook Centre, Stirchley TF3 1FL	1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month	10am to 12noon	15 September 2026  6 October 2026  20 October 2026  3 November 2026  17 November 2026  1 December 2026  15 December 2026
The Wakes, Oakengates TF2 6EP	Monthly	10am to 12noon	18 September 2026  23 October 2026  11 December 2026
The Gower, St Georges TF2 9BE	1st and 3rd Thursday of the month	10am to 11:30am	17 September 2026  1 October 2026  15 October 2026  5 November 2026  19 November 2026  3 December 2026  17 December 2026

A blood pressure check is quick and easy. The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to get it checked. Find a location near you and know your numbers.

What happens at a community blood pressure check?

To have your blood pressure checked, you will first be asked to sit so that your feet are both flat on the ground, and your arm is supported by a table or other form of support. An inflatable cuff attached to a monitor will then be wrapped around your upper arm (you may be asked to remove items of thick clothing layers that make it difficult to put the cuff in the correct place).

In a community setting your blood pressure might be affected just by being in unfamiliar surroundings or by the journey to the setting. So if, when we take your first reading, it is a little bit raised, we will take a further 2 readings and record the lowest of those. If your lowest reading is still above 139/89 your community Blood Pressure Checker will take some details from you and signpost you to a local Community Pharmacy for Ambulatory Testing (ABPM or 24-hour testing as some prefer to call it).

We will also ask you some simple questions about your lifestyle.

These test are free and quick to do.    

Checking your blood pressure at home

Do you have a blood pressure monitor at home?

More people are checking their blood pressure at home, which is a great way to keep an eye on your heart health. But many people are not sure if they are using their monitor correctly. Taking your blood pressure at home is simple when you know how – watch the British Heart Foundation video below for clear, simple guidance.

Interested in volunteering?

Volunteers are always needed to become Community Blood Pressure Checkers in the community. We know that those who currently volunteer with the project experience a boost to their wellbeing and feel a sense of purpose – they’ve also made new friends and gained skills.

You can find out more about this role and how to apply on the Volunteer Telford website.

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