Between May and June 2025, community champions across Kirklees took action to protect heart health - supporting more than 2,000 people to better understand cardiovascular disease (CVD), check their blood pressure and connect with local services.
Equipped with knowledge, compassion and practical tools, 95 champions led the campaign by meeting people where they live, work, shop and socialise - transforming everyday spaces into opportunities for lifesaving conversations. Working in over 180 community locations, they delivered blood pressure checks, conversations and signposting in the heart of communities.
Taking health into the heart of the community
TSL Kirklees trained and supported the 95 community champions from across the district. Speaking over 20 community languages and aged between 18 and 65, champions bring a personal touch and deep cultural understanding to their work. They didn’t wait for people to walk into clinics - they showed up at cafés, mosques, libraries, schools, supermarkets, festivals and in online groups. Their mission: to raise awareness about CVD and help people take simple steps to improve their health.
“Prevention starts with people,” said Steffi Rogers, Champion Project Manager at TSL Kirklees. “Our Champions create trust, spark interest and help people take action - wherever they are.”
Blood pressure checks prompt action
In just two months, champions carried out over 1,080 blood pressure checks. For many, it was the first check in years - and it made a difference.
“This is the first time in years that I’ve had my blood pressure checked,” said one resident. “I wouldn’t have bothered if I had to use up an appointment at my GP’s.”
When champions identify high or low readings, they signpost people directly to community pharmacy or in some instances their GP. In one pilot, they used an atrial fibrillation (AF) detection device to screen 200 people. That small act led to three GP referrals for people who were detected in having an irregular heartbeat - possibly preventing strokes. We know people with untreated AF are five times more at risk of having a stroke and it being more disabling.
“I’m delighted to see the AF detection device have such a significant impact in such a short time, alongside the blood pressure checks,” said Laura Williams, Programme Manager - Improving Population Health. “This shows the real value of our community champions.”
Conversations that change lives
Champions spoke to 2,230 people across Kirklees. They explained complex health topics in plain language, tackled myths and encouraged simple lifestyle changes - no pressure, just support. The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, with champions praised for their friendliness, trustworthiness and ability to communicate in a clear and non-judgemental way.
“I didn’t realise my blood pressure put me at higher risk of a heart attack or stroke,” said one participant. “I’m so glad the champion explained it.”
Champions also introduced people to the NHS App, answered questions in multiple languages and connected individuals to services like stop smoking support, local wellbeing groups and digital help.
“I had no idea about blood pressure. I don’t read or write English, but thanks to the champion, I got the help I needed. I’m so grateful.”
“I’ve loved our chat today. You helped me, made me laugh and gave me things to think about. I didn’t feel judged - it just felt like two people talking, somewhere I already feel safe.”
Reaching those most at risk
Champions focus on connecting with those who face the biggest barriers to care. They listened to and supported residents from South Asian, African-Caribbean, Arab, White British and Traveller communities. They met people living with disabilities, long-term conditions, addiction, homelessness, low literacy and those with refugee or migrant backgrounds.
Steffi added: “Our approach is simple but powerful - meet people where they are, listen and offer support that makes sense to them.”
“You’re an amazing human being… I feel lighter just talking to you,” said one resident.
“Thank you for putting the NHS App on my phone - it’s so easy to use now,” said another.
David’s story
David regularly visited Huddersfield Mission Cafe but had lost contact with healthcare services due to past addiction. Community champions stepped in. They gave David regular blood pressure checks, helped him register with a new GP and connected him to monthly health checks with student nurses.
“You are life savers - without a champion I don’t know where I would be,” he said.
Denise’s journey
After a CVD diagnosis and a stay in intensive care, Denise started smoking again due to stress. At a drop-in session, a community champion listened and encouraged her to contact a stop smoking service. Living with sight loss, Denise also struggled with cooking and weight. With the champion’s support, she found simple meal ideas that felt manageable. She left the session feeling heard, motivated and ready to take control of her heart health.
“Talking things through made everything feel more doable. I’m not alone in this.”
A model to follow
TSL Kirklees has already helped other regions design and launch their own community champion programmes focused on CVD, prevention and wellbeing.
“Thanks to their input, the model has worked really well,” said Laura Dixon from Wakefield Council.
“Steffi’s presentation was informative and inspirational,” said Hazel De Wit from the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.
What’s next?
Steffi says: “We plan to expand the use of the AF screening tool, continue training and supporting our incredible champions, strengthen our partnerships with GPs and local services and keep having health conversations in the everyday spaces where people already feel comfortable and listened to.”
Know Your Numbers - protect your heart
Laura said: “The Kirklees CVD campaign shows how local people, with the right training and support, can make a huge difference. One conversation at a time, champions are saving lives - and helping build a healthier, more connected Kirklees. This is exactly the way to reduce inequalities, create interest, educate and immerse preventative health care in communities.”
Find out more and get involved
- Contact: steffi
@tslkirklees.org.uk - See the community champion evaluation website pages
- See the TSL Kirklees community champions webpages
- Sign up to the TSL Kirklees registration webpage to receive regular updates and the newsletters