The NHS in Gloucestershire is supporting Know Your Numbers Week (Monday 8 to Sunday 14 September), a national campaign led by Blood Pressure UK, by offering free blood pressure checks at drop-in clinics across the county.
Throughout the week, One Gloucestershire’s Information Bus and the Outreach Vaccination and Health Team will be visiting local venues to provide quick, convenient health checks. People can simply drop in—no appointment needed—and speak with NHS professionals about their blood pressure and ways to improve their heart health.
Dr Graham Mennie, GP and Clinical Lead for the Circulatory Clinical Programme Group at NHS Gloucestershire said:
“High blood pressure is a silent threat—it often has no symptoms until it causes serious harm.
One in three adults have high blood pressure, and many don’t know it. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone aged 40 and over to take a few minutes during Know Your Numbers week to check their numbers and take action if needed.”
Siobhan Farmer, Director of Public Health, Gloucestershire County Council, said:
“I would urge residents to take advantage of the free blood pressure checks on offer during Know Your Numbers Week. It takes just a few minutes and knowing your blood pressure could help you make positive lifestyle changes in the future.”
Oonagh Wilson, Clinical Lead for the Outreach Vaccination and Health Team, said:
“Know Your Numbers Week is a great opportunity to pause and reflect on your health. Our team will be out in the community offering simple checks and advice on how small changes—like quitting smoking or eating better—can make a big difference.”
The drop-in clinics are designed to make it easy for people to check their blood pressure and get advice on healthy lifestyle changes. Over the past year, the Outreach team has carried out more than 1,700 blood pressure checks, referring around 280 people to their GP for further support.
Where to find us
Date | Time | Location |
Monday 8 September | 10:00 – 15:00 | B&M, Kingsway Business Park, GL2 2SN |
Tuesday 9 September | 15:00 – 18:00 | Upper Rissington Village Hall, Wellington Road, Upper Rissington, GL54 2QW |
Wednesday 10 September | 10:00 – 15:00 | Hester’s Way Shopping Parade, Cheltenham, GL51 7SU |
Thursday 11 September | 10:00 – 15:00 | King’s Square, Gloucester, GL1 1AD |
Friday 12 September | 10:00 – 15:00 | Morrison’s, Tewkesbury, GL20 8AB |
Sunday 14 September | 10:00 – 15:00 |
Frampton Country Fair, The Park, Frampton on Severn, GL2 7HS |
Keep checking your blood pressure – all year round
If you can’t make it to a drop-in clinic or want to keep track of your blood pressure regularly, there are plenty of other ways to check your numbers.
Sian Williams, Gloucestershire ICS Clinical Lead for Community Pharmacy Integration, said:
“You can get your blood pressure checked for free at over 100 pharmacies across Gloucestershire. It’s quick, easy, and you don’t need an appointment. Pharmacies also offer a 24-hour monitor where abnormal results are detected, which gives a better picture of your blood pressure over time.”
Some GP practices have blood pressure machines in their waiting rooms, or you may be able to book a check with a member of the surgery team.
You can also check your blood pressure yourself with a home blood pressure monitor. Home monitoring can be a useful way of keeping track of your blood pressure. To make sure you get reliable readings, it’s important to use a monitor that’s suitable for you and that you know how to use it. Find out more about home blood pressure monitoring on the Blood Pressure UK website or speak to a pharmacist about what type of monitor may best suit your needs.
Find out more about accessing a blood pressure check here.