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.

As part of its silver jubilee celebrations, NFHW hosted its 25th Preston Health Mela on Saturday, 11 April 2026, at the Foster Building, University of Lancashire. The event was held with great enthusiasm and community spirit, attracting widespread participation.

The occasion was honoured by the presence of the Mayor of Preston, Councillor Sue Whittam, as Chief Guest, alongside distinguished dignitaries including:

  • Dr. Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health for Lancashire
  • Dr. Elizabeth MacPhie, Consultant Rheumatologist & IMSK Clinical Lead, Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
  • Ms. Rupal Lovell-Patal, Associate Dean, School of Medicine and Dentistry
  • Ms. Alison Carr and Ms. Janice Allan from the Vice-Chancellor’s Group, University of Lancashire

Breakfast Meeting: Addressing Hidden Disabilities

The day commenced with a breakfast meeting focused on the theme:
“Hidden Disabilities: Ensuring Equal Opportunities for All.”

Professor Romesh Gupta, Chairman of NFHW, welcomed attendees and reflected on the organisation’s 25-year journey. The session featured engaging discussions, with participants sharing personal experiences and proposing strategies to promote inclusivity and equal access to opportunities for individuals with hidden disabilities.

Inauguration and Opening Ceremony

At 11:00 AM, the main event was formally inaugurated by the Mayor and dignitaries. The opening ceremony featured a lively cultural performance by students from Abhinandana dance academy by of the GHS, setting a celebratory tone for the day.

In his welcome address, Professor Gupta highlighted NFHW’s remarkable evolution:

“What began as a small initiative to support ethnic minority communities in Preston has grown into a platform that serves the entire population, regardless of background. Our message has reached not only across the UK but internationally.”

He also acknowledged the invaluable support of partner organisations, educational institutions, the NHS, local councils, international bodies such as Rotary International, charities, and dedicated individuals.

Recognition and Awards

In recognition of outstanding contributions, Fellowship Awards were presented to:

  • Dr. Elizabeth MacPhie
  • The Northwest Ambulance Team

Both were honoured for their continued support of NFHW’s mission and initiatives.

Community Engagement and Participation

The event saw an impressive turnout, with approximately 1,500 visitors exploring over 71 stalls. Attendees benefited from a wide range of free services, including health checks and educational resources.

Health Screening and Outcomes

A key highlight of the event was the Health MOT screening programme, which involved around 100 university students working alongside NHS professionals across medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy disciplines.

Key Findings:

  • 176 individuals participated in health screenings
  • 28 individuals identified as overweight or obese and provided with lifestyle counselling
  • 66 individuals diagnosed with previously undetected conditions:
    • Pre-diabetes: 11
    • Hypertension: 16
    • Dyslipidaemia: 39
  • 47 participants were already managing chronic conditions and were advised to continue treatment and regular follow-ups

Notably, nearly 40% of participants were newly identified with cardiometabolic risk factors, underscoring the critical role of community-based screening in early detection and prevention.

Holistic Health Initiatives

The event also embraced complementary therapies. The Holistic Living Group offered Reiki taster sessions, which were attended by 14 individuals. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants describing the sessions as relaxing and beneficial, and many expressing interest in future sessions.

Acknowledgements

NFHW extended heartfelt thanks to all those who contributed to the event’s success, including:

  • Security teams
  • Foster hospitality staff
  • Facilities management
  • Car parking services
  • LIS and press office teams
  • Event coordinators and volunteers

Their collective efforts ensured a seamless and impactful event.

Conclusion and Future Plans

The event concluded successfully at 3:00 PM, marking a significant milestone in NFHW’s journey of community service.

Looking ahead, the next Health Mela is scheduled for:
Saturday, 16 May 2026
Victoria Mill – Burnley Campus
University of Lancashire
Trafalgar Street, Burnley, Lancashire BB11 1RA

Closing Note

The Silver Jubilee Health Mela not only celebrated 25 years of dedicated service but also reinforced NFHW’s ongoing commitment to improving public health, fostering inclusivity, and empowering communities. The organisation continues to serve as a vital bridge between healthcare services and the public, ensuring that health awareness and preventive care remain accessible to all.