Silver Jubilee Year of the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing (NFHW)

Established in 2001 as the Lancashire Gujarat Health Users Forum, the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing (NFHW) was founded with the mission of promoting health awareness within communities and empowering individuals to take control of their health. Over the past 25 years, NFHW has remained committed to this vision, delivering impactful initiatives—most notably its flagship Health Melas—that have reached diverse populations across the UK and beyond. The whole year is a part of silver jubilee celebrations of NFHW Health Melas.

NFHW’s next Health Mela will be held on Saturday 16 May 2026 at Victoria Mill – Burnley Campus, University of Lancashire, Trafalgar Street, Burnley, Lancashire BB11 1RA from 11 am until 3 pm.

For 25 years, NFHW has empowered communities across the UK to lead healthier lives. The charity has successfully organised over 70 Health Melas nationwide, attracting more than 20,000 visitors. Its innovative model of community health engagement has also been replicated internationally, demonstrating its global impact.

Burnley Health Mela, in its third year,  will follow the same successful model drawing strong participation from local communities and healthcare providers. This year’s event will be graced by the presence of the Mayor of Burnley, Councillor Paul Reynolds.

Later in the day, Mr Oliver Ryan MP too will join Burnley Health Mela.

Speaking ahead of the event, Professor Romesh Gupta OBE, Chairman of NFHW, said:
“I am delighted to see the organisation grow over the past 25 years from a modest beginning. Over the years, we have built partnerships with several organisations, local health trusts, councils, as well as educational institutions. I am pleased to state that these Health Melas, health seminars, and other activities have been highly beneficial to local communities. Health MOTs have been accessed by over 10,000 people, with nearly 1,000 requiring further advice from healthcare professionals. Many have also benefited from a holistic approach to care, including exposure to alternative health therapies. This model of community health engagement and empowerment has been widely praised by numerous national dignitaries and replicated overseas.”

This year’s event will feature approximately 40 health-related stalls from organisations including the NHS, NGOs, and several charities providing guidance and support on conditions such as cancer, diabetes, oral health, and mental health.

Attendees will also have access to free Health MOTs, including body vital checks, blood sugar and cholesterol testing, followed by professional medical advice. Additional attractions include Reiki taster sessions and interactive activities such as a smoothie bike, allowing participants to create and enjoy their own healthy drinks.

The event is being organised in partnership with the University of Lancashire’s School of Medicine and Dentistry, local NHS trusts, and a range of voluntary and statutory organisations.

Burnley Health Mela is free to attend, with no prior booking required. Free parking will be available at university car parks on the day.

For further information, please contact:
Mr Ravin Shah: ravin.shah@nfhw.org.uk
Professor Romesh Gupta: romesh.gupta@nfhw.org.uk

To learn more about the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing, visit:https://nfhw.org.uk