Preston Health Mela Returns for 2025
Apr, 11 2025
Last month we reached the 5th anniversary of a time in our lives many of us would like to forget. The pandemic was a painfully isolating period and had a deteriorating effect on our physical and mental health. Some of us are still experiencing long covid to this very day.
Therefore, an annual event which focuses primarily on the state of our health is crucial especially since many of us lead busy lives and may neglect our health because of it.
The University of Central Lancashire will once again host the annual Preston Health Mela for the local community to receive free health checks and advice.
Organised by the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing (NFHW), in partnership with the University’s School of Medicine and Dentistry, it will offer free health checks and the opportunity to receive advice from a variety of health professionals in a relaxed environment.
It all takes place tomorrow morning – Saturday 12th April 11am -3pm in the Foster Building on the University’s Preston Campus. Visitors can enjoy more than 70 health related stalls providing a wide range of information on how to improve health and wellbeing.
The following will be included on the day:-
- Complementary therapies
- Reiki and Bollywood dancing
- The popular Teddy Bear Clinic will be open for children to bring their favourite cuddly toy along to.
- People can put pedal power into action on the smoothie bike.
- Visitors can take advantage of free MOT health checks ranging from diabetes screening, blood pressure checks and cholesterol level tests.
Professor Romesh Gupta, Honorary Professor from the School of Medicine and Dentistry and Chair of the NFHW, said: “We are delighted to be back at the University of Central Lancashire with the annual Preston Health Mela, which goes from strength to strength each year.”
Russell Hogarth, University of Lancashire Honorary Fellow, Community Ambassador, NFHW CEO and the Chair of the University Creative Communities Group (CCG), has helped to organise the event with his CCG members.
He explains the confidence he had in it from day one and how it has developed over the past decade:-
“When I first introduced the Health Mela to the University ten years ago, I knew it was going to be successful, but I never realised how successful. It has grown to include health related public engagement seminars throughout the year and we've now added a Burnley Health Mela to serve even more people in our local communities.”
The event is run by the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing, in partnership with the University School of Medicine and Dentistry. It is fully supported by:-
- The Creative Communities Group,
- Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
- North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust
- Plus many North West voluntary organisations.
The Health Mela will also welcome Dr Mumtaz Patel, President of the Royal College of Physicians London, to officially open the event. It is free to attend with free campus parking throughout the day. No booking is required. For more information, email Russell Hogarth.-
You can also visit the NFHW website –
Now more than ever our health is at a critical time in our lives. This event is designed to give your mind and body the MOT it requires to keep it going on a daily basis. You will benefit from the stalls, advice and practical help as you enter the Foster building and come away with a smile on your face and a warm glow in your heart.
^Alex Ashworth CCG UK Blogger
