Community health checks reaching hundreds of residents to continue this autumn and winter

Hundreds of Shropshire residents received free health checks and wellbeing support through Shropshire Council’s Community Wellbeing Outreach programme last autumn and winter, with many events now planned for the coming months. 

Community Health Checks taking place at a coffee morning at Marton Village Hall in September 2026

The programme is supported by a range of partner organisations from the health, voluntary and community sectors, making it even easier for residents to find the right support.

Between October 2025 and March 2026, the team supported 336 residents all over the county, including at livestock markets, workplaces and rural outreach events.

The service is designed to reach people who may be less likely to have routine health checks, including those living in rural areas, experiencing financial difficulties or feeling isolated. Rather than waiting for people to come forward, the team takes support directly into communities and places that people already visit.

The checks are helping to identify people who may benefit from further support. Almost one in four people who received a blood pressure check had a reading above the recommended level and were encouraged to find follow-up support through their GP practice or local pharmacy.

The team also found that:

• 44 of the 104 people who received a cholesterol check had a result of five or above.
• 102 of the 155 people whose body mass index (BMI) was recorded were overweight or living with obesity.
• 32 people who shared their smoking status said they currently smoked and were offered support to help them quit.

Alongside health checks, the team helps people access a wide range of support services, including social prescribing, stop smoking services, housing advice, financial support, carers’ support and musculoskeletal services.

Councillor Ruth Houghton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said:

“These figures show the real value of taking health and wellbeing support directly into our communities and neighbourhoods.

“Many of the people reached by the Community Wellbeing Outreach Team may not otherwise be able to get to routine health checks. By meeting people where they are, whether that’s at a livestock market, community venue or outreach event, the team is helping residents spot potential health concerns early and connect with the support available to them.

“This work supports the council’s ambition for everyone to have the opportunity to be healthy and thrive at every stage of life. It is a great example of prevention in action, helping people stay healthier for longer and making sure support is available to those who need it most.”

Find out more about the Community Wellbeing Outreach Team and where they are visiting next at: Community Wellbeing Outreach team | Shropshire Council