Blood Pressure Champions

What are Blood Pressure Champions?

 ·  People who will function as ambassadors for blood pressure checking to actively engage in their community and have every day conversations with family, friends and colleagues and neighbours in highlighting the risks and importance of regular checking of blood pressure. (These volunteers will not be required to take blood pressure readings but will be trained to find opportunities in everyday life).

 ·  Local people who have a passion to help improve health conditions for their local community in a project that aims to raise awareness of how high blood pressure is a silent killer and can lead to premature death from strokes and heart attacks.

 ·  People who actively engage as part of a team running pop up Blood Pressure checking events in the local community, giving lifestyle advice and directing at risk people to further medical help and support.

 ·  Volunteers will be given specific training and ongoing support.

Thsi project will finish at the end of March 2025.

What skills do I need?

 Have a friendly, caring attitude

·   Able to start conversations about Blood Pressure (BP) checks, symptoms of Cardio Vascular Disease and understanding what a blood pressure check involves

·   Encourage people to take up BP checks and participate in the project

·   Be willing to use a Digital Device (provided) for BP checks monitoring

 

Training and support

Full training, appropriate to the level of participation, will be given prior to involvement in the project which will include:

·         how to take blood pressure readings using a blood pressure monitor

·         how to record the patients’ data using a specific digital device

·         how to give appropriate lifestyle advice in a caring,  sensitive and reassuring manner

·         on-going support from the Blood Pressure Champions Coordinator.

 

What we ask of our champions:

·         Be open and willing to attend training.

·         Feedback their insights and experiences

·         Give as much or as little time as they can – the role is flexible.

·         Have a regular check in with your local coordinator

·         Tell others about the BP Champions volunteer role and encourage them to join us.

 

Additional information

Volunteers should be over 18 years old and be confident in engaging with diverse members of the community. A reasonable level of fitness is required and volunteers should be motivated and reliable. An interest or previous experience of health issues would be an advantage.

We are currently needing volunteers in Shrewsbury and South West Shrophsire area.

Travel expenses will be paid at the rate of 45p per mile up to a distance of 10 miles from your home to the location.

Location

This opportunity is available Countywide.