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Chance for a check up at health awareness event

Free health checks and holistic therapies like head massages and Reiki will be on offer at an event to promote health services in Solihull next weekend.

The event, on Saturday, 22 October at The Loft (above Asda) Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre, has been organised by Ashram Housing Association and Solihull Community Housing.

Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Irene Chamberlain, will be in attendance to show her support for the event, which will run from 11am to 3pm.

Organised to raise awareness of physical and mental health, visitors to the ’One Solihull’ event will be able to test their BMI (Body Mass Index) and blood pressure with a health check-up.

There will also be the chance to try out a range of pampering and holistic therapies including threading and Reiki, which is known to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Information and advice on how to maintain and improve physical and mental well-being will be available from a host of organisations including Healthy Minds and the You Plus Shop.

Live entertainment showcasing some of the best local cultural talents and acts will also be taking place to mark Black History Month, which runs throughout October.

Jasvinder Sandhu, who works for Ashram Housing Association, said: “There can be a lot of stigma and confusion about mental health but mental illness is very common, affecting one in four people in the UK.

“This event is a great opportunity to raise awareness of mental and physical health, with experts on hand to answer questions and give advice about a range of different topics.”

Ashram Housing Association, based in Tyseley, is a charitable organisation which provides a range of health and social care services to scores of people across the city.

Services include a new support service for over 55s called, Taste for Life Birmingham – run in conjunction with Moseley and District Housing Association, Birmingham City Council and Age Concern Birmingham.

Solihull Community Housing is the organisation that manages council housing in the Solihull borough.