Starting strong: SMD Active Together

What better way to begin a brand-new partnership than by coming together as a team for the Robin Hood Half Marathon.

The whole event epitomises the team spirit we aim to foster in our work supporting people experiencing severe and multiple disadvantage (SMD) and was the perfect place to launch SMD Active Together – a partnership all about strengthening relationships, raising awareness and supporting each other’s wellbeing so we can continue to do our best for people.

As a collective, we represented a wide range of organisations throughout Nottingham all of which work to support people who face multiple disadvantage. Our team included colleagues representing CityCare services, the Changing Futures Programme, the Practice Development Unit (PDU), Nottinghamshire Healthcare Trust, Nottingham University Hospitals, Emmanual House, Nottingham CVS, The Friary, Public Health, Adult Social Care, and the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board.

It was a true team effort from the runners completing the course to the volunteers keeping everyone on track, it was a fantastic day filled with cheers, hugs, smiles and even the sun which started to shine as people crossed the finish line.

It’s fair to say that the Robin Hood Half Marathon has set the tone for what’s to come. Even though there are sore legs and voices today we start the week with a new energy for what we can achieve as a collective. Thanks to everyone who took part yesterday including friends and family who came to support and cheer us on.

Know Your Numbers Week

Know your Numbers Week 2025

Know Your Numbers Week 2025 launches across Nottingham City ! Running from 8–16 September, this year’s campaign is set to be bigger and better than ever.

Thanks to the fantastic support from partners and communities, the campaign has been extended by two extra days, giving even more people the opportunity to get their blood pressure checked and take charge of their health.

Over 100 organisations taking part

This year, more than 100 organisations are joining forces across Nottingham City to support the campaign. From community groups to health professionals, the collaboration shows the strength of commitment to raising awareness about the importance of knowing your blood pressure.

Your support makes a real difference — helping us reach communities, engage the public, and improve health outcomes across our city.

Campaign packs and resources

To make it easy to get involved, a full campaign pack is being shared with partners, including:

  • Posters and leaflets (downloadable and printable)
  • A presentation slide for screens and waiting rooms
  • A weekly plan of community events and activities
  • A QR code linking to the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB Know Your Numbers webpage

Events across the city

Throughout the week, communities can take part in a wide range of activities, including:

  • Radio interviews and podcasts
  • Community health events and awareness sessions
  • Cooking demonstrations and healthy BBQs
  • Blood pressure checks at local events and venues

Organisations including Nottingham Forest Community Trust, Notts County Foundation, Faza Radio, Halfords, Thriving Nottingham, and many community groups are supporting the campaign, helping us reach as many people as possible.

Find the full list of events here: Blood pressure – know your numbers – NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB

Special guests and ambassadors

We’re delighted to have the support of Clive Foster MBE, Windrush Commissioner, and Margaret Kelly MBE, Olympic swimmer, as campaign ambassadors this year. Their voices, alongside those of Nottingham City Councillors and local health professionals, will help shine a spotlight on the importance of blood pressure checks.

We’d also like to thank Nottingham City Councillors Coral Jenkins, Helen Kelsli, Neghat Khan, and Linda Woodings for sharing their special messages with our city residents. Your support is invaluable in helping us reach and inspire local communities.

Podcasts available

You can tune into podcasts hosted by Community Pharmacy’s Mike Jones and Kirsten, shining a spotlight on the importance of blood pressure checks:

  1. NottsPharmCast – Episode 4: Special edition with Michelle Freer on Know Your Numbers Week.
  2. NottsPharmCast – Episode 5: Special edition with Phil Pyatt, CEO of Blood Pressure UK.

Both episodes are a fantastic way to learn more about the campaign and hear first-hand why checking your blood pressure is such an important step towards better health.

Videos available

Our Know Your Numbers 2025 videos are ready to use and share!

You can upload them on social media, play them on waiting room TV screens, or even share via WhatsApp with friends and colleagues. There are nine videos in total, all available on our dedicated YouTube channel: Know Your Numbers campaign 2025 – YouTube.

The videos feature messages from community leaders, health professionals and ambassadors, including:

  1. Margaret Kelly MBE, Olympic swimmer, with Dr Emma Sawyer (Nottingham City GP), Mandip Bassi (Nottingham City Pharmacist) & Jamie Robson (Thriving Nottingham)
  2. Clive Foster MBE, Windrush Commissioner, with Layo Ogunremi (Nottingham City Pharmacist), Eldeen Thorne (Thriving Nottingham) & Dr Olawale (Nottingham City GP)
  3. Cllr Coral Jenkins – message to Nottingham’s Black community
  4. Cllr Helen Kalisi – message focused on falls prevention
  5. Cllr Neghat Khan – message to Nottingham’s Asian community
  6. Cllr Linda Woodings – message for business owners, encouraging time for health checks
  7. Clive Foster MBE – short message
  8. Dr Emma Sawyer – short message
  9. Mandip Bassi – short message

These videos are a fantastic way to spread the word and encourage more people across Nottingham to Know Their Numbers.

Thank you for your support

Together, we can make this year’s Know Your Numbers campaign the biggest yet. By encouraging people to check their blood pressure, we can help more people in Nottingham take action to live healthier, longer lives.

Keep an eye out for more updates and resources in the coming days — and most importantly, don’t forget to Know Your Numbers!