A former BBC correspondent and the boss of a local coach company are the faces of a campaign in Somerset encouraging people to know their blood pressure – and potentially save their lives.
Public Health and NHS Somerset are joining forces with Blood Pressure UK’s Know Your Numbers! Week (8 -14 September 2025) to raise awareness of the importance of regular blood pressure checks.
As part of that campaign, a series of social media films have been produced, shining a light on people who have discovered they had high blood pressure and changed their lifestyle.
Former BBC Somerset correspondent Clinton Rogers is one of them. Today he said:
“I was in my mid 60s and I thought I was pretty fit. But I was getting a lot of headaches so my GP surgery suggested I check my blood pressure for a week at home. When I did the numbers were not good – I was a candidate potentially for a heart attack or a stroke.
“So, I was put on medication, and I changed my diet; now my numbers are looking pretty good. I would certainly encourage other people to check their blood pressure. It could be a life saver.”
Nick Hutt, who is Managing Director of Hatch Green Coaches near Taunton, is also featured in a film. He realised he had high blood pressure after a random check. He too went on medication and changed his lifestyle.
He said: “I was relieved, because I don’t think you realise how high your blood pressure is or the potential negative effects it can be having on you. I really didn’t have any symptoms of having high blood pressure at all.”
High blood pressure is often called the silent killer because it usually has no symptoms. Yet it is a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. Around 5 million adults in the UK may be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure.
Since its launch, ‘Take the Pressure Off’ has been encouraging Somerset residents to get their blood pressure checked at libraries, pharmacies, GP surgeries and community venues.
This September, the campaign is stepping up its focus by sharing local case studies, demonstrating the life-saving impact of a simple five-minute check.
Councillor Graham Oakes, Lead Member for Public Health, Climate Change and Environment said:
“We’ve been helping communities across Somerset ‘Take the Pressure Off’ since March last year to raise awareness of high blood pressure and encourage residents to get checked.
“This national awareness week is a great moment to share powerful real-life stories from Somerset people who know first-hand the difference a simple blood pressure check can make. We’re urging everyone: know your numbers, change your story.”
Professor Trudi Grant, Director of Population Health and Inequalities at NHS Somerset, said:
“Tackling this ‘silent killer’ is a critical aspect of improving population health. Too often people with high blood pressure only find out when faced with a serious health event, such as a heart attack or stroke. A simple test, which only takes a minute or so, can significantly alter the course of your health and may even save your life.
“The 10 Year Health Plan is clear that the NHS needs to do more to keep people well and our ‘Take the Pressure Off’ campaign is just one way we are working to prevent illness and encourage healthy living.”
A series of films showcasing people’s real life stories can be seen on YoutTube, For more information on the campaign, visit: Blood pressure – Our Somerset
How to take part:
- Check your blood pressure – by borrowing a monitor from any Somerset library and checking in the comfort of your own home, via your pharmacy, GP or at a free community check
- Share the message with friends and family
- Make one heart-healthy lifestyle change – it’s never too late to start
