Stockport Businesses Offered Free Heart Health Checks to Support Workforce Wellbeing

Available across the borough until March 2025, these 15-minute checks aim to identify early risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and offer guidance on improving heart health.

Why It Matters

CVD remains a leading cause (second overall) of death in Stockport, responsible for 25% of all deaths in 2022, with early heart disease deaths reaching a 14-year high. Nationally, over 100,000 people are admitted to hospitals annually due to heart attacks. Early detection through checks like these can significantly reduce risks, saving lives and improving quality of life.

What’s Included

The Healthy Heart Check is a quick assessment that includes:
• Blood pressure measurement.
• Waist circumference check.
• Advice and signposting to local health services for lifestyle improvements.
Checks are open to all employees aged 25 to 84, regardless of workplace size, providing businesses with an accessible way to support staff wellbeing.

Early Success Stories

More than 300 checks have already been completed, with businesses like Hargreaves Contracting benefitting. Commercial Manager Paul Whitelegg said: “We were delighted to collaborate with Stockport Council to provide Healthy Heart Checks for our workforce at the King Street West construction project, where we're building 73 new apartments for Great Places Housing Group. This initiative highlights our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our team. We highly recommend other businesses in Stockport take advantage of this valuable opportunity while it lasts - investing in the health of your workforce pays dividends for everyone involved!"

Why Employers Should Act

Healthy employees are happier and more productive, with fewer absences due to illness. Cardiovascular issues, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol (affecting 1 in 4 and nearly half of adults, respectively), often show no symptoms but can lead to serious complications if left unchecked.
Councillor Keith Holloway, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: "We all want to feel fit and healthy, and it’s not always easy to know where to start. These Healthy Heart Checks are a great way to give people a heads-up about any risks and point them in the right direction to stay well. It’s quick, it’s free, and it could make a real difference—not just for individuals but for families, workplaces, and our community as a whole. We’re proud to be offering this to businesses across Stockport."

How to Get Involved

Businesses are encouraged to act now while funding lasts. Booking is simple: contact the Public Health Team at healthyheartcheck@stockport.gov.uk for more information or to schedule a session.