The CCG Picture-Book - Episode 7 - '2018'

The CCG Picture-Book - Episode 7 - '2018'

Jul, 25 2020


Welcome to episode 7 of ‘The CCG Picture-Book 2012-2020’.This week I’ll be focusing on the year 2018.

It’s hard to believe that just two years ago we were able to meet freely in a safe environment and be taught the very best health advice and practical measures to prevent long term health problems.

The 17th Preston Health Mela arrived in April of 2018 and it was the fourth year UCLAN hosted the event.

It came courtesy of the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing (NFHW) and visitors were able to interact with over 70 health related stalls as well receiving the following medical checks:-

  • Check their blood pressure
  • Blood sugar and cholesterol through free health checks
  • Receive advice from a variety of healthcare professionals
  • Experience holistic therapy such as Reiki.

Younger ones were able to engage with the Teddy Bear Clinic as well exploring the walk in mega brain and exercising on the smoothie making bike.

Support to make the event possible came in the form of the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, the Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trusts and a wide range of voluntary and statutory organizations.

The focus for the 2018 Health Mela made awareness of drugs, alcohol and homelessness and worked with the local community to promote positive health and wellbeing.

Russell Hogarth, co-founder and chair of the UCLAN CCG, expressed these positive words about the Mela,

“Taking the benefits of good health and wellbeing direct to the public via the Health Melas is a great initiative that I feel should be rolled out across the country. If we can play our small part in keeping people well in the community, it helps to take some of the pressure off the NHS”.

The 2018 Health Mela proved to be another very successful event. The stall holders made a concerted effort to engage with the public. The breakfast meeting prior to the start of the Mela proved to be an excellent discussion based around homelessness and alcohol induced ill Health and its effect on NHS resources.

Russell continued be acknowledging the CCG input and his appreciation for the sponsorship,

“It’s always a pleasure helping to organize this annual event with our UCLAN Creative Communities Group members. It’s the fourth year we have hosted the Health Mela at the University and we must thank the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing for kindly sponsoring the event again this year.”

NFHW Chair Romesh Gupta had these final words to say regarding the 2018 annual Health Mela,

“We need to change the way health services are provided and make an attempt to reduce self induced fatal illnesses. We will continue to work with our partner organizations to improve the health and wellbeing of our local communities.”

The 2020 Health Mela was expected to take place on Saturday 4th April but due to COVID-19 this event had to be postponed. The CCG would like to acknowledge the hard work gone into preparing past and present Health Melas and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2021.

^Alex Ashworth CCG UK Blogger.