Free NHS Health Checks Coming to the RVA Unit from January
We’re pleased to announce that free NHS Health Checks will be available at the Reading Voluntary Action unit on the first floor of Broad Street Mall from January, helping local residents take a proactive step towards better health.
These checks are part of an ongoing community health project aimed at preventing serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease, by identifying risks early and offering support.
Opening times and how to book
From January to March, the RVA unit will offer NHS Health Checks during the following times:
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30am – 5:00pm
Appointments can be booked online at:
👉rva.org.uk/cwo
Walk-ins are also welcome, although waiting times may vary.
If you have any questions or need help booking an appointment, you can call our helpline on:
📞 0118 304 8841
Spoken translation is available when you call, to help ensure the service is accessible to everyone.
What to expect at your health check
When you arrive at the RVA unit, you’ll be welcomed by a friendly member of the RVA team. Your health check will then be carried out by specialist nurses from Royal Berkshire Hospital’s Meet PEET (Patient Engagement and Experience) team.
The RVA website includes more details about what’s involved in the check, including a short video explaining the process, so you know what to expect before you attend.
Who can have an NHS Health Check?
The checks are open to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria:
Aged 18 or over
Live in Reading
Have not had an NHS Health Check in the last two years
Are not currently being treated by a doctor for diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke or chronic kidney disease
Are not currently prescribed statins
Reaching those most at risk
This programme is a health inequalities project, designed to reach people who are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease and may face barriers to accessing healthcare.
Working closely with partners and the voluntary and community sector in Reading, we aim to reach priority groups including:
Refugees
People from minority ethnic communities
People who are socially isolated
Military veterans
Unpaid carers
Victims of domestic abuse
People living in more deprived neighbourhoods, including Whitley and Church wards
A holistic approach to wellbeing
Health checks are just one part of the support on offer. The RVA team also provides advice and signposting before and after appointments, taking a holistic approach to wellbeing. This can include help with issues such as finance, housing, or social support, which may be impacting a person’s health.
Making a real impact in the community
Since the project began in 2024, it has already delivered over 4,000 NHS Health Checks across 20 community venues.
Alongside the RVA unit, health checks are currently also available at:
The Weller Centre
Whitley CDA
Whitley Wood Community Centre
We’re proud to continue expanding access to this vital service and look forward to welcoming more people to the RVA unit from January.
