Corby Foodbank users offered free NHS health checks

During September, users of Corby Foodbank will be able to benefit from a free NHS health check, helping those who access the service the opportunity to better understand cardiovascular health and take steps toward prevention.

The clinics will take place every Friday in September at Corby Foodbank at St Peter & St Andrew’s Church on Beanfield Avenue.

The quick and free NHS health checks are available to North Northamptonshire residents aged 40-74 who access Corby Foodbank’s service. Designed to detect and prevent cardiovascular diseases including heart disease, stroke risk and diabetes and kidney disease, the service offers on-the-spot results, lifestyle advice and referrals.

Those not eligible for the free health check includes anyone who has had an NHS health check in last five years, has been prescribed statins for the purpose of lowering cholesterol, those identified as having a 20% or higher risk of having a cardiovascular event, and anyone diagnosed with  medical conditions such as coronary heart disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension atrial fibrillation, transient ischaemic attack, hypercholesterolaemia, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease or stroke.

Organised by Concept Care Solutions in partnership with North Northamptonshire Council as part of the Community Cardiovascular Disease Health Checks, the initiative is fully funded by the Office of Health Improvement and Disparities under the Department of Health and Social Care.

The first mobile clinic will take place on Friday 11th September from 1.30pm-3pm. Further sessions will be held on Friday 18th September, 1.30pm-3pm and Friday 25th September 1.30pm-3pm.

There is no need to book an appointment for the free NHS check, with former and current foodbank users encouraged to turn up during Corby Foodbank session times.

“At Corby Foodbank, we do more than provide three-day emergency food parcels – we stand alongside local people in crisis and support them in every way we can,” said Martin Langford, manager at Corby Foodbank.

“Good health matters just as much as having food on the table, so we are proud to bring this free, potentially life-changing service directly to the people who use our foodbank.”