A taxi office will be among those targeted in a health campaign organised by an award winning health campaign.

One Voice through the Baiter Sehat campaign are carrying out free health checks with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, with the aim of encouraging greater numbers of people from the BME community to participate in health checks.

These health checks are free of charge and will only take 20 minutes.

They are designed to identify any existing health problems, assess your disease risk factors and to provide you with the tools and recommendations to achieve a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

National statistics show that Blackburn with Darwen is the seventh worst area in the country for Cardio Vascular disease.

Health checks are important to everyone to detect disease early in people who look or feel well. Health checks can prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease. Zaheer Mahmud, Operational Lead of the Baiter Sehat campaign emphasised the importance of reaching into the community.

“The Council’s data indicates that members of our community are not taking up the opportunity of health checks as much as other communities. One of our focus groups suggested that we need to go to the work places of our community, and so we decided that we would start with a taxi base in the heart of Blackburn.”

Faraz Ali, proprietor of 24/7 Private Hire was excited that One Voice had chosen his business to target health checks.

“I am delighted that One Voice has chosen us. We are one of the biggest taxi firms in Blackburn. This is a great initiative for taxi drivers. Many of them work 12 hour days and would simply not get the time to go to the doctor. They barely even get time to exercise.

“And due to the long working shifts, taxi drivers are more prone to eating fast food. It is just easier to grab a quick takeaway on the go.

“We are planning on expanding our premises next year and opening a gym on location. Keeping our drivers healthy and fit is a priority. This is why we welcome One Voice’s campaign.”

The health checks will take place throughout the day on Tuesday 29th April with a registered nurse.

Further health checks organised by One Voice are taking place in Little Harwood Community Centre on 28th April, and 6th May, some specifically aimed at women.

Alternatively you can contact us at: info@onevoicenetwork.org.uk or 07985 146442 to book a health check.