The scheme, being piloted in ExtraCare's King's Heath and Castle
Bromwich charity shops will offer passing customers free blood
pressure checks, proactive health advice and, for a minimum charge,
blood sugar and cholesterol tests.
Run by qualified nurses, it's hoped the initiative will raise
health awareness, particularly amongst the 50% of over-55s who
regularly visit ExtraCare's shops. The scheme will, however, be
open to all shoppers irrespective of age.
The Charity took its health awareness campaign to the streets
following the success of its award-winning Well-being service at
its year-old New Oscott Retirement Village in Erdington. 222
village residents who took part in screening showed a 15.2%
improvement in their health after a Well-being check, preventative
action and a follow up assessment.
Charity Shops Managing Director, Alison Whittingham, comments:
"Health screening and promotion is an important part of the service
we provide for older people and we want to bring a bit of our
expertise into the wider community.
"Although screening is already available on the high street
through the main retailers, it's not always at a cost that is
affordable, especially for older people who may be in need and
unaware of their poor health. Our shops provide an informal
atmosphere where visitors can take advantage of free advice and
health screening at a maximum cost of only £3.00
"The atmosphere is informal and friendly and whilst all checks are
confidential we believe a welcoming environment will encourage
shoppers to take part. If the scheme is successful we will spread
it across our 60 shops in the Midlands and North West."
The two participating shops are offering checks from 9am to 5pm on
the following dates: 12th April, 10th May and 14th June at 17
Timberley Lane, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, B34 7ED. 14th April,
12th May and 9th June at 28 Alcester Road South, King's Heath,
Birmingham, B14 7PU.
Picture shows ExtraCare nurse, Kate Broadhead, with
shopper David Baynham at the Charity's King's Heath
shop.
For more information, contact ExtraCare's shop's team on
02476 506011
Notes for Editors:
ExtraCare's Well-being Service: ExtraCare's award-winning
Well-being Service supports residents to regain as much
independence as possible and to be proactive in managing their own
health. Well-being Advisors (RGNs) empower older people to make
informed decisions about their lifestyle and health via Well-being
Assessments developed by ExtraCare to address older people's needs.
Between baseline assessment and follow-up, 222 residents at New
Oscott Village achieved on average, a 15.2% improvement across 10
key indicators which included blood pressure, cholesterol level,
weight, height, continence, sleep and spiritual
well-being.
ExtraCare's Well-being Service won the Housing and Health
Category at the 2009 UK Housing Awards.
ExtraCare and its Charity Shops: The ExtraCare Charitable
Trust has been at the forefront of the development of the extra
care housing model for over 20 years and manages 11 retirement
villages and 18 housing schemes across the Midlands and the North
West. Each ExtraCare resident (aged 55 upwards) can expect a safe,
secure future, living in a spacious and affordable home as part of
a network of inspirational communities.
The Charity has 60 ExtraCare Charity shops which fund
opportunities for residents to maintain their health, try new
skills and enjoy challenges, ranging from choir singing, card
making and woodwork, to abseiling and horse riding.
www.extracare.org.uk
Richard Tower, PR Manager. M: 0772 055 3658. The
ExtraCare Charitable Trust, Registered Office: Abbey Park, Humber
Road, Coventry, CV3 4AQ. Registered Charity No. 327816. Registered
in England No. 2205136