Essex Libraries help residents check their heart health during Heart Month

Essex Libraries help residents check their heart health during Heart Month

Essex Libraries are helping residents take control of their heart health this February, as new figures show strong take-up of free borrowable blood pressure monitors.

To mark Heart Month, Essex Libraries has shared the latest impact of its blood pressure monitor lending scheme. This was launched in September during ‘Know Your Numbers’ week – the UK’s biggest blood pressure awareness campaign.

Between September and the end of January, there were 1,354 loans and renewals of monitors across 72 of Essex’s 74 libraries. Brentwood recorded the highest number of loans (135), followed by Chelmsford (95) and Shenfield (78).

Each loan pack includes a monitor, cuff, diary and guidance leaflets. Monitors can be borrowed for up to two weeks, with no booking required. They are available on a first‑come, first‑served basis at all Essex libraries.

In addition to the loan scheme, 15 standalone blood pressure monitors have been installed in libraries across the county. In just over three months, these machines were used more than 9,200 times.

Due to the scheme’s success, Essex Libraries plans to roll out additional loanable monitors and standalone machines.

Essex Libraries is also supporting library services elsewhere to implement a similar scheme.

The figures have been released to coincide with Heart Month, which takes place every February and is organised by the British Heart Foundation.

The campaign raises awareness of heart and circulatory diseases and promotes heart‑healthy lifestyles through education, fundraising and community support.

Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration, said: “Having blood pressure monitors available in our libraries makes it easier and more convenient for residents to check their blood pressure, and it’s fantastic to see how well the scheme is being used.

“I would encourage residents across Essex to make use of this service during Heart Month and take a simple step towards looking after their heart health.”

Councillor Mark Durham, Cabinet Member for The Arts, Heritage and Culture, said: “We’re delighted with the success of the blood pressure monitor scheme so far and look forward to expanding it so even more residents can benefit.

“Our libraries sit at the heart of local communities and are safe, welcoming spaces. This initiative supports residents closer to home and helps reduce pressure on the NHS.”