Connecting With Community: Blood Pressure Checks at South Bank Library
The visit was designed to help us better understand how people across the community access healthcare services—and to learn more about the barriers some residents face when trying to get the support they need.
Supporting Health in Everyday Spaces
Over the course of the hour, eight blood pressure checks were carried out:
- 2 readings were in the healthy range
- 3 were slightly raised
- 2 were high
Those with higher readings were advised to book an appointment with their GP within the next two weeks for further assessment and support.
Conversations That Highlight Real Barriers
While chatting with participants, Gaynor spoke with one lady about the NHS App. Although she had heard of it, she explained that she doesn’t feel confident using technology and still prefers to use the telephone for appointments and prescriptions. She also relies heavily on her daughter, who supports her as a carer.
During their conversation, the lady mentioned that she would like some help from the Council but hasn’t had a social worker for more than ten years. Gaynor provided her with the relevant contact telephone number so she could reach out for further support.
Supporting Young People in the Workforce
Later in the session, an 18‑year‑old member of the library staff came forward for a blood pressure check. She shared that she lives with a disability and is currently receiving conflicting advice from her GP. She also mentioned experiencing ongoing pain linked to Fibromyalgia, which was impacting her daily life and ability to work comfortably.
To help her find clear, reliable information, Gaynor signposted her to the Flippin' Pain website—a resource designed to support people living with persistent pain through education and practical guidance.
Why These Visits Matter
Offering quick, accessible health checks in familiar settings helps people feel more comfortable asking questions, raises awareness of potential health concerns, and strengthens links between local services and the communities they serve.
Small moments like this—checking a blood pressure reading, having a conversation, or offering reassurance—can make a big difference. They help us identify where support is working well and where more needs to be done to ensure everyone can access the healthcare they deserve.
