Opportunities for the community to receive a free NHS health check and advice to improve their health
The Community Wellness Outreach (CWO) project runs in Reading to the end of June 2025. The partnership is funded by the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to pilot outreach activities which reduce health inequalities for our most vulnerable communities. The programme is open to all, but people at risk of developing cardiovascular conditions are a priority.
The partners are running health and wellbeing outreach hubs in community settings across Reading, providing NHS Health Checks and holistic support to enable people to take action to improve their health. Read more about what’s involved in the NHS health check.
How can you or your organisation get involved?
Can you help your community to attend? Do you know people who might benefit from the outreach sessions? People can book an appointment or drop in to sessions across Reading. The sessions are particularly focused on people who may not attend for an NHS Health Check at a GP surgery.
Would you like to work with us?
We are currently looking for a part-time Project Officer to join the team delivering the outreach sessions. Find the full details here. The closing date for applications is 5pm on 17 July 2024.
Calendar of Community Wellness Outreach sessions
- For questions, or support with making a booking, call 0118 304 8841.
- Spoken translation is available when you call.
Can you host an outreach session?
Can your organisation or group host an outreach session for the benefit of your community or members? RVA is keen to hear from groups interested in hosting one-off or occasional sessions. Funding is available to cover your costs, the venue and other expenditure to help support people to attend. Please email advice@rva.org.uk for more information or to express an interest.
Do you offer activities that are good for the heart?
Does your group or organisation run activities that benefit heart health, for example, physical activities at any level, information or access to healthy food or cooking? RVA is keen to hear from you! Small grants are available to support activities or to cover the cost of new and needed projects. Please email advice@rva.org.uk for more information or to express an interest.
More information about the Community Wellness Outreach project
- CWO is a collaboration of local health, voluntary and community sector services to support people’s wellbeing, enabling them to live fulfilling lives, make healthy choices and address inequalities that impact them, in the places they live.
- CWO is delivering full health checks, in community settings, by qualified nurses. It is helping those who are most at risk of serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease, and diabetes to identify ways to reduce their risk.
- CWO is providing advice and guidance, enabling people to take steps to address other issues that are impacting on their health and wellbeing.
The partners
- Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust‘s MEET PEET Team: Patient Experience Engagement Team using specialist nurses to provide the NHS Health Check and tailored advice and referrals to other support services. Find out more about Meet PEET.
- Reading Voluntary Action (RVA): Coordinating the outreach programme with voluntary sector partners including ACRE, WCDA and Forgotten British Gurkhas. RVA also offers a social prescribing service focused on cardiovascular health.
- Reading Borough Council: Governance and project support.
- GP surgeries and the Primary Care Alliance: Follow-on clinical support for those that need it.
