Geraint Jones
Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW)
‘What’s Your Score?‘ began with the aim of bringing healthcare to football clubs across Wales by offering simple blood pressure checks. The project aims to raise awareness about conditions like high blood pressure, which is a leading cause of heart disease, strokes, and other severe long-term health issues. By establishing blood pressure checks and monitoring at football games, the initiative aims to identify individuals at risk of health conditions. This approach makes healthcare more accessible, especially for those who may not regularly visit health services.
The project will be aligned with existing public health initiatives and leverage partnerships with football clubs, community centres, and health organisations. It also seeks to complement current health programs like “FIT Bluebirds,” ensuring wider reach by capturing citizens outside their target demographic. Utilizing non-invasive health checks and digital tools for recording data, the project aims to normalize health conversations in social settings, reduce stigma around health monitoring, and encourage lifestyle changes to prevent future health issues. The program aligns with the prudent Healthcare principles by focusing on co-production, evidence-based care, and addressing the greatest healthcare needs.
By collaborating with football clubs, the project also aims to be sustainable by training community members as ‘champions’ to continue these initiatives in the long term. It is hoped that ‘What’s Your Score’ will enable patient empowerment, removing barriers to healthcare, and fostering better relations between the NHS and local communities.
The project has now expanded to include community spaces and workplaces, making health checks more accessible. This helps people who might not visit their GP regularly to understand their health risks and take action early.
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
