A KEIGHLEY charity has won national recognition for its work.
Keighley Healthy Living is one of just 10 recipients of this year’s GSK IMPACT Awards.
The accolades, awarded by The King’s Fund, honour small and medium-sized charities in the UK that are working to improve people’s health and wellbeing.
Tribute was paid to Keighley Healthy Living for “reducing social isolation, addressing health inequalities and improving the physical and mental wellbeing of the local population through lifestyle changes”.
One of the charity’s programmes spotlighted was Rethinking Pain.
It supports people from diverse communities to manage long-term pain, which can account for up to one in three GP appointments nationally. Figures show there’s been a six per cent reduction in GP appointments for those the scheme has helped.
Awards judges also highlighted the Blood Pressure Connect project.
Under the scheme, people with hypertension are referred to the charity via their GP.
They’re provided with a blood pressure monitor and receive one-to-one coaching, as well as lifestyle support, such as exercise and cooking courses. The charity has also begun working with takeaway businesses to improve nutrition and cut obesity levels.
Keighley Healthy Living offers a wide range of activities, groups and events, from its town-centre base and other venues.
In 2023-24, it delivered 55 regular weekly and monthly groups to over 5,400 people.
As part of its award, the charity will receive £40,000 in funding and a place on a leadership development programme provided by The King’s Fund.
Lisa Weaks, senior associate at The King’s Fund, says: “Keighley Healthy Living is a pioneering community-based charity working tirelessly to support its local population to be physically and mentally well through lifestyle changes.
“Through its excellent partnership working and innovative approach, it plays a huge role in bringing people together, reducing social isolation, as well as supporting people with specific health conditions. It is now rightly being recognised for its impact on supporting its community while reducing pressure on the NHS.”
Melanie Hey, chief executive officer of Keighley Healthy Living, said the charity was “absolutely delighted” to receive the award.
She added: “We are committed to providing opportunities for our community to build skills, confidence and knowledge and form connections to enable people to manage their health and wellbeing. The support from receiving this award will be invaluable in helping us develop and grow and continue to offer a range of services to our community.”
