A Glasgow neighbourhood’s community project aimed at reducing health inequalities and risk of heart disease received a grant from a national charity.

A community project focused on food and nutrition based in Corkerhill has been awarded over £9,000 by Heart Research UK, as part of their Healthy Heart Grants programme.

The project will work with residents at risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in one of Glasgow’s most disadvantaged areas. 

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The programme, organised by Nutrition Scotland in partnership with Pollok United, consists of cooking and nutrition classes, focusing on reducing risk factors for CVD.

The courses will be delivered weekly for six weeks and participants will learn about a different nutritional topic each week, culminating in them cooking a heart-healthy meal together.

Heart disease is a major cause of death and disability in Scotland, with people living in the most deprived areas at greater risk. 

Nutrition Scotland aims to help reduce diet-related health inequalities by encouraging social connections and supporting participants to take action to keep their hearts healthy.

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The project will also feature a number of educational resources available online, including videos on risk factors and simple lifestyle changes that individuals can make to reduce their chances of developing heart diseases.

Susanne Fletcher, nutritionist and CEO of Nutrition Scotland, said: “Bringing people to together with food and signposting people to other services will be our priority.

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“We hope the social connection and group learning will help motivate individuals that may be struggling with their mental and/or physical health and are at increased risk of developing CVD.”

Dr Helen Flaherty, head of health promotion and education at Heart Research UK, said: “We are very happy to announce our support of this fantastic project, aimed at reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease among some of the most at-risk people in Scotland.

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“We are hoping this project will have a big impact on the Corkerhill community through the cooking and nutrition classes. 

Glasgow Times: Dr Helen Flaherty Dr Helen Flaherty

“Helping people live healthier, happier and longer lives is what the Healthy Heart Grants are all about.”

More about the Healthy Heart Grants and related projects can be found on Heart Research’s website.