A LIFESAVING Keighley project will be able to expand its work after receiving a funding boost.

The Blood Pressure Connect initiative helps people at potential risk of heart disease and related conditions to change their ways.

Now the venture has been awarded a £10,000 Heart Research UK Healthy Hearts grant which will enable more people across the area to be supported.

The scheme – spearheaded by Keighley Healthy Living – is aimed at patients aged between 40 and 74 identified by their GP as having stage 1 hypertension, which is blood pressure above the normal range but not high enough to require medical treatment.

Once a referral is made, the project helps people make lifestyle changes – such as through accessing activities, groups and courses.

The number of people in the Keighley area living with stage 1 hypertension is above the national average, but an initial pilot version of the scheme was shown to reduce the figure.

If left to get worse, high blood pressure can cause heart disease, a heart attack or failure, or lead to a stroke.

Other organisations involved in Blood Pressure Connect include Healthy Hearts, local primary care networks, Modality and the Wharfedale, Airedale and Craven Alliance.

Melanie Hey, chief executive officer at Keighley Healthy Living, says: "We are so pleased to be awarded this funding.

"The project is a great example of how the voluntary care sector can work collaboratively with the NHS and its primary care networks to support people’s health in a more holistic, person-centred way.

"The grant will allow us to help more people with stage 1 hypertension to make early changes which can potentially save lives. By identifying blood pressure above normal range early, we can support people in finding the best ways for them to change habits and behaviours which can reduce the risk of conditions such as heart attack, stroke and heart failure in the future.

"If you are at all concerned about your blood pressure, some pharmacies offer a service which can check your blood pressure, or you can speak to your GP practice for advice."

Further information about hypertension, or high blood pressure, can be found on the NHS website at nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure-hypertension.