Your Health Barnet blog

We’re always excited to support interventions that empower communities and tackle health inequalities head-on. That’s why we’re bursting with pride to celebrate the recent award from ACCS (African Caribbean Culture Society of Barnet) for Barnet’s Healthy Heart Peer Support Project in recognition of the incredible service it has provided to Barnet residents over the past 21 months.

The project specifically focusses on supporting residents of African, Caribbean and South Asian heritage in Barnet.  These communities often face higher risks of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure due to a complex mix of factors, including social determinants of health, structural racism, health-related behaviours and more.

The Power of Community and Shared experiences

The Healthy Heart Project cuts through barriers with a brilliant approach using peer support.  Trained peer support workers with lived experience – people who understand the cultural nuances and challenges faced by their own communities – provide a safe space for open conversation, shared experiences, and most importantly, encouragement.

The Healthy Heart Project understands that navigating health issues can be daunting.  That’s the beauty of peer support, which can be through connecting, motivating and empowering, especially when it comes to making healthy lifestyle changes.

Culturally Competent Resources and Workshops

The project goes beyond simply connecting people.  It also provides culturally competent resources and workshops about blood pressure and heart health, ensuring information is delivered in a way that resonates with the populations of focus, traditions, values and preferred ways of learning.  This can make a world of difference in understanding and addressing heart health risks.

Celebrating Success and looking ahead

This well-deserved award is a testament to the project’s effectiveness and a celebration of its impact.  A win for culturally sensitive health interventions, it is a shining example of how culturally sensitive, community centred approaches can empower people to take charge of their heart health.

So, why should you, especially if you’re from an African, Caribbean or South Asian background, care about a healthy heart?

• Maintaining a healthy weight and being active can help with controlling blood pressure, which is good for heart health. Tasty traditional dishes can sometimes be high in calories and many of us could be more active - the Healthy Heart Project explores culturally relevant ways to make healthy food choices and get moving, like dance classes or walking groups that explore local green spaces.
• Managing other health conditions – a healthy heart and well controlled blood pressure can provide positive impacts on wider health conditions too, such as diabetes and mental wellbeing. 
• Checking your blood pressure is important – there are often ‘no clues’ as the high blood pressure rarely has any symptoms. The only way to know is to have a simple check.

The beauty of it all is that well controlled blood pressure and a healthy heart isn’t just about a number on a page or in a letter.  It’s about feeling your best, having the energy to fulfil your dreams, visions, and being there for the people you love.

Here’s to a healthy future for the Barnet community!

If you’re keen to learn more about the Healthy Heart project, you can contact the Healthy Heart team: 020 3475 1316, text (Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm): 07719105534 or email: healthyheart@healthwatchbarnet.co.uk or visit the Healthwatch Barnet website at healthwatchbarnet.co.uk/healthy-heart  

Read more about the project in the news: Barnet’s Healthy Heart Project praised for helping 1,600+ residents from high-risk communities