Stockport Council hosts pop-up events to offer free blood pressure checks

To mark Know Your Numbers Week (8–12 September), the Public Health team at Stockport Council is inviting residents to get a free blood pressure check at pop-up events and across the borough.

High blood pressure often called the “silent killer” affects around 30% of adults across England, with men (34%) more impacted than women (27%). Alarmingly, up to one in three adults with hypertension remain undiagnosed, and many more don’t receive treatment.

The council’s checks are quick, friendly, and free, making it an easy way to take charge of your health. Residents can find their nearest Know Your Numbers Week event by visiting the Healthy Stockport website. Events taking place include:

• Monday 8 September, 9:30am to 4pm: Life Leisure Avondale, Heathbank Road, Cheadle Heath, Stockport SK3 0UP (non-members welcome)
• Tuesday 9 September, 10am to 4pm: Adlington Walk, Merseyway Shopping Centre, SK1 1PU
• Wednesday 10 September, 10am to midday: Social Wellbeing Group, Stockport County, Edgeley Park, Hardcastle Road, SK3 9DD (anyone can pop in)
• Thursday 11 September, 10am to 4pm: Stockport Homes Cornerstone Reception, 2 Edward Street, SK1 3NQ
• Friday 12 September, 9:30am to 4pm: Stockport Market Place, SK1 1YJ

A routine eye test turned into a lifesaving moment for Stockport resident, Norma Booth. During her appointment at her local optometry practice, Norma was offered a blood pressure check as part of a new NHS pilot with Primary Eyecare Services. The test showed dangerously high readings, prompting swift action. Further checks revealed Norma was actually having a heart attack. Thanks to the quick-thinking team and early detection, she received urgent treatment. Norma said:

“If someone asks if you want your blood pressure checking, do it. It tells you what’s going on in your body – for me it was a lifesaver.” 

In recent months, Stockport’s Public Health team has taken heart checks directly to workplaces, warehouses, building sites, retailers and bus depots. Between October 2024 and April 2025, over 2,400 Healthy Heart Checks were delivered across local workplaces. Of those tested:

• Over 1 in 5 people were found to have high blood pressure—even though many had no idea.
• Nearly half of those checked had an unhealthy waist-to-height ratio, indicating elevated risk for heart disease.
• The prevalence of these risk factors was highest among men over 40 and those working in manual roles.

Cllr Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, said:

“These figures are a real wake-up call. High blood pressure doesn’t have symptoms, so many people only find out once serious damage has already been done. By bringing free checks out into the community, we’re determined to help and make it easier for residents to take care of their health. I’d urge everyone to find their nearest event or pharmacy and get checked.”

Blood Pressure monitoring is critical for early detection, left unchecked high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems like stroke, heart failure, kidney disease and dementia. If you’re aged 40 or over, you can also receive a free blood pressure check at your local pharmacy or GP.