A ‘Change of Heart’ thanks to £10,000 grant

Men and women aged over 50 and BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) community groups, living in Southampton, will have their attitudes to exercise and healthy eating challenged through a Healthy Heart programme funded by national heart charity, Heart Research UK. This new ‘Change of Heart’ programme will encourage Southampton residents to get ‘walking, talking, eating and growing’ for their heart health.

The project has been developed by Age Concern Southampton who recently received a £10,000 Healthy Heart Grant from Heart Research UK to get it underway. Those involved will get the chance to focus on heart health through a range of activities including  brisk walks in local parks, workshops on heart health with specialist speakers, cookery sessions and growing their own vegetables in the community garden. They will also publish a recipe book, featuring tasty recipes from around the world that have been adapted for a Healthy Heart.

David Fakray, Events Coordinator at Age Concern Southampton, says: “There is a large BME population in the city whose traditional diets can contribute to heart problems, as they can be high in salt and fat. This can become a major problem if they are not getting enough exercise. We also see a lot of men who are single or have lost their partners who lead isolated lives and often have a poor diet. The risk of heart disease increases with age and that is why it is so important to work with over 50s to change their attitudes to heart health.

We’re really excited about walking, cooking and socialising with the participants, whilst also ensuring that important messages about heart health are understood and acted upon.”

Barbara Harpham, National Director of Heart Research UK, says: “This innovative new project will really encourage over 50s from the Southampton community to learn new skills and take an active interest in their own heart health. We wish the staff at Age Concern Southampton and all those involved in project the best and hope it leads to them having a Change of Heart.”