Health mela at Preston’s university to mark two decades of helping the city

Preston Health Mela attendees last year Pic: Blog Preston

Health event, Health Mela, will celebrate 20 years of service at the University of Central Lancashire this year.

Health Mela is a concept that thousands of volunteers and organisations have given their time to for the past twenty four years, to help people in the UK identify health problems.

Through testing and education, they pioneer the diagnosis of individuals before they find out themselves.

Health Mela joined forces with UCLan nearly twenty years ago to engage with the community in health promotion and helped to empower people to take charge of their health.

At UCLan, it runs public health awareness seminars and teaches young people studying medical sciences to acquire essential skills.

The Chancellor and Chair of the Board at UCLan said, “We are pleased to attract visitors in their thousands to the Preston Health Mela events.”

The event, which was first developed and conceived in Lancashire, has health MOTs delivered by the university medical students. They check blood tests, BMI, height and weight which benefits both parties.

A blood pressure check at a previous health mela Pic: Blog Preston/UCLan

The Health Melas are also held at universities such as Bradford and Bolton universities. Through this, they also attract local consultants who attend to address topics such as diabetes and heart problems.

Professor Mayur Lakhani CBE and the President of the Royal College of General Practitioners said: “Preston is leading the way in health and wellbeing.

“The Mela was a great success, with much on offer and practical, relevant content.”

The next Health Mela will be at the university on 12 April 2025 and is free for anyone to attend.

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