Preston’s annual Health Mela returns to UCLan

A man has his cholesterol checked at the Preston Health Mela 2023. Pic: UCLan

Preston’s annual Health Mela is returning next month, providing free health checks to people across the community and helping people understand the healthcare options available in the city.

Organised by UCLan and the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing (NFHW), the event will take place on Saturday 13 April, in the Foster Building on Preston’s University campus.

It will bring together health professionals, volunteers and UCLan students from the School of Medicine and Dentistry to offer free health checks and advice.

There will be opportunities to have blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol checks.

Health professionals will also be available to speak to about cancer support, pain management, oral health, as well as other concerns.

There will be a ‘Teddy Bear Clinic’ for children to develop their caring skills, as well as reiki which is a Japanese technique for relaxation and a Bollywood Dance performance.

A woman visits the Eye Health Clinic stand. Pic: UCLan

Special guests include Professor Kevin Fenton CBE, President of the Faculty of Public Health UK, and Christopher Gormley, Acting Chief Sustainability Officer for NHS England. They will open the Health Mela, which is focussed on the theme of Sustainability and Healthy Communities this year.

Romesh Gupta OBE, Chair of the Steering Group of the NFHW and Honorary Professor at UCLan, said: “We can’t wait to once again welcome the local community to this brilliant annual event. People can access a range of health services for free and enjoy a family day out at the same time.”

The Preston Health Mela will take place between 11am and 3pm on UCLan’s campus. For more information, you can email Romesh.gupta@nfhw.org.uk.

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