Residents in Reading, Berkshire, can access free NHS health checks throughout February 2026 as Reading Voluntary Action (RVA) brings qualified nurses from the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust’s Meet PEET (Patient Experience and Engagement Team) into local shopping malls and community centres.
The 30-minute appointments are taking place at locations such as Broad Street Mall and the Weller Centre in Caversham. Nurses will check blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar levels and BMI (weight/height) to help people spot early signs of heart disease or diabetes.
For the first time, these routine checks now include assessments for menopause symptoms following a national update from the Department of Health and Social Care. This change ensures women can get the right support and information much earlier than in the past.
The project aims to reach a target of 60% of the eligible under-served local population who do not regularly attend GP services. RVA staff also provide social prescribing support and can link people with local exercise groups, mental health services, or financial advice if they need extra help.
Local partners (Reading Voluntary Action and Reading Borough Council) say the project has already seen success in areas such as Whitley and Southcote; the BBC reports the scheme has supported more than 4,000 people and opened a new centre at Broad Street Mall. The NHS Health Check is generally offered to adults aged 40 to 74, but the outreach sessions also allow some younger adults (18+) from higher-risk groups or those who have not had a recent check to take part.
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