Heart health sessions (Studiotech)

Studiotech, who have the contract for lighting at Ashton Market, have recently funded a series of heart health and life saving sessions in Tameside, delivered by NW Hearts Charity.

The sessions raised awareness of heart health and helped local residents learn more about staying healthy and how to deal with emergency situations, including performing CPR and using defibrillators.

Attendees engaged with practical learning around topics such as recognising risk factors and lifestyle and diet. Information was delivered in a friendly and accessible way, with time for questions and discussions around the themes to develop confidence.

Local partners Age UK Tameside and Diversity Matters supported and brought people together to ensure the heart health sessions reached various communities who could benefit from them.

Sue Martin, interim CEO of NW Hearts Charity, said: "We use our sessions to enable people to understand more about the heart and circulatory system and share tips about improving their own heart health. We then go on, via our basic life-saving skills sessions, to give individuals the knowledge and confidence to tackle a heart health emergency at home or out in the community.

“As around 80% of cardiac arrests occur in a community setting, it is really important that people feel able to manage such an emergency.  We break down the myths and the barriers and leave attendees with the confidence to perform CPR and use a defibrillator.

“Our sessions in Tameside were relaxed, interactive and positive. Those attending were really grateful to have been able to be part of this project.

“NW Hearts charity is committed to improving the lives of people living with, and at risk of, cardiac disease and are proud to have helped the community groups to benefit. We give sincere thanks to Studiotech who understood the importance of these community workshops and the funding to enable them to proceed.”

Paul Haythornthwaite, Account Director at Studiotech, said: “We’re committed to creating real social value in the communities where we work.

“Supporting NW Hearts Charity to deliver these sessions in Tameside has been a meaningful way for us to give back, helping residents improve their health awareness and feel more confident in responding to emergencies. The engagement level has been great.

“Working with local partners has ensured the sessions reach a diverse range of people, and we’re proud to be part of an initiative that has such a positive and lasting community impact.

“This is the first time we have teamed up with NW Hearts Charity and we look forward to working with the charity again on future projects.”

NW Hearts Charity works with local partners to support people across Greater Manchester. If your workplace or community would like to receive a healthy heart or basic life-saving skills session, contact office@nwhearts.org.