The University of Central Lancashire will once again host the annual Preston Health Mela for the local community to receive free health checks and advice.
Organised by the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing (NFHW), in partnership with the University’s School of Medicine and Dentistry, it will offer free health checks and the opportunity to receive advice from a variety of health professionals in a relaxed environment.
It will take place on Saturday 12 April 11.00am – 3.00pm in Foster Building on the University’s Preston Campus. Visitors can enjoy more than 70 health related stalls providing a wide range of information on how to improve health and wellbeing.
"“We are delighted to be back at the University of Central Lancashire with the annual Preston Health Mela, which goes from strength to strength each year."
— Professor Romesh Gupta, Honorary Professor from the School of Medicine and Dentistry and Chair of the NFHW,
There will also be the opportunity to try complementary therapies, Reiki and Bollywood dancing. The popular Teddy Bear Clinic will be open for children to bring their favourite cuddly toy along to. Plus, people can put pedal power into action on the smoothie bike.
In addition, visitors can take advantage of free MOT health checks ranging from diabetes screening, blood pressure checks and cholesterol level tests.
Professor Romesh Gupta, Honorary Professor from the School of Medicine and Dentistry and Chair of the NFHW, said: “We are delighted to be back at the University of Central Lancashire with the annual Preston Health Mela, which goes from strength to strength each year.”
Russell Hogarth, University of Lancashire Honorary Fellow, Community Ambassador, NFHW CEO and the Chair of the University Creative Communities Group (CCG), has helped to organise the event with his CCG members.
"It has grown to include health related public engagement seminars throughout the year and we've now added a Burnley Health Mela to serve even more people in our local communities."
— Russell Hogarth, NFHW CEO
He added: “When I first introduced the Health Mela to the University ten years ago, I knew it was going to be successful, but I never realised how successful.
“It has grown to include health related public engagement seminars throughout the year and we've now added a Burnley Health Mela to serve even more people in our local communities.”
The event is run by the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing, in partnership with the University School of Medicine and Dentistry. It is fully supported by the Creative Communities Group, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust and many North West voluntary organisations.
The Health Mela will also welcome Dr Mumtaz Patel, President of the Royal College of Physicians London, to officially open the event. It is free to attend with free campus parking throughout the day. No booking is required. For more information, email Russell Hogarth.
Visit the NFHW website or follow @NFHW1 on X.
Written by Lucy Parsons.