Community Health Open Day at Deeplish Community Centre

Participants, health experts and workers with Councillor Sameena Zaheer

Over 80 people participated in a Health Awareness Day at Deeplish Community Centre on Monday 27 November.

The open day, as part of a community health initiative, was organised to raise awareness, and provide information and advice to local communities about healthy life styles, plus professional advice on issues affecting people’s health.

There were lots of stalls and information for the public, with support coming from Living Well, Big Life Group, Early Break, Rochdale Mind, Health Watch, Cross Roads Together Charity, Heritage Health Care Company and Rochdale Council recycling team.

Basic health checks were conducted by Big Life Health trainer Shabaz Iqbal and referrals also made to other health professionals. Local community pharmacist Kashif Raza carried out diabetes checks for participants and provided useful information on public health.

Big Life delivered bilingual information and advice on reducing blood pressure, long term effects of diabetes, and gave detailed accounts of what could happen when people ignore health advice.

Maniza Bi, Deeplish Health Co-ordinator, said: “All of our participants were pleased with our programme of activities, including a weekly exercise class to keep elderly ladies fit and healthy.

“We not only provide health awareness, but truly engage with participants as it improves mental wellbeing and reduces isolation for many lonely community members.”

Sohail Ahmad, manager at Deeplish Community Centre, said: “We were pleased to offer basic health checks and advice at this event for local residents. It is good to see people caring about their health, attending well-being activities at the centre and taking an active part in finding out more about a healthier lifestyle and participating in the community health day.”