Geraint Jones
Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW)
Background
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of preventable ill health in Wales, with an estimated 220,000 people living with undiagnosed high blood pressure. Opportunities for early detection are often missed. By delivering simple health checks in everyday community environments, this may help reach those who may not routinely monitor their blood pressure, reduces stigma and normalises preventative behaviours. ‘What’s Your Score?’ aimed to bring opportunistic blood pressure checks into trusted, familiar spaces, supporting early awareness, prevention, and public empowerment.
Aims
The project aimed to pilot community-based blood pressure checks in football clubs and shared communal spaces, exploring public awareness, acceptance, and perceived barriers to non-clinical monitoring.
- Provide accessible blood pressure checks in community settings.
- Gather behavioural insight on awareness, engagement, and barriers.
- Raise public understanding of prevention and self-monitoring.
- Assess feasibility for wider scale-up across Wales.
Approach
Using a mixed-methods evaluation, the project combined:
- 39 participants accessed blood pressure readings at a PureGym in South Wales.
- 300+ public survey responses captured attitudes, confidence, and likelihood of future monitoring.
- Stakeholder conversations (FAW, BHF Cymru, Swansea City AFC Foundation) and public interaction informed feasibility and acceptability.
Outcomes
- 12.8% of pilot participants identified with abnormal readings and were signposted and advised for a follow-up with a healthcare professional.
- 92% agreed that gyms, football clubs and community venues are suitable for checks.
- 71% believed that offering blood pressure checks in public places could reduce pressure on NHS services in the longer-term.
- 95% felt confident they could self-monitor with simple instructions.
- 98% agreed that this approach could help reach people who may not visit their GP regularly.
- 77% planned to talk to their GP or another health professional as a result of this intervention.
“I knew deep down that I wasn’t in the best shape, but hearing it directly from a health professional really hit home. That moment pushed me to take my health more seriously. One simple step I’ve taken is regularly checking my blood pressure—it’s a small habit that keeps me accountable and informed.”
Project Supporter
Conclusions
- ‘What’s Your Score?’” shows that preventative health checks can be delivered safely, effectively and with high public acceptance in community environments.
- This enables earlier identification of risk, meaningful health conversations, and improved self-monitoring behaviours.
- Strongly aligns with Welsh prevention priorities and demonstrates clear opportunity for wider adoption across Wales.
- A scalable, low-cost model has been established, with strong cross-sector enthusiasm and clear potential to embed community-based prevention into everyday life.
