Healthier You – the support you need to stay healthy

The LTC Programme is for people with high blood pressure (hypertension). Having high blood pressure increases your chances of developing long-term conditions like heart disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and dementia.

The good news is that making small, positive changes to your lifestyle now can help you stay healthy for years to come. The programme provides tailored support to help you make those lifestyle changes.

• Nutrition: Supporting you to make balanced food choices for healthy blood pressure, weight and overall wellbeing.
• Physical Activity: Discover how physical activity can help you stay healthy and find ways to stay active that work for you.
• Psychological Support: Build confidence and gain practical tools to take control of your health – now and for the future.

You have been referred because your GP has identified you as having high blood pressure (hypertension). This could be high blood pressure now, or you could have normal blood pressure now because it is controlled by medication.

Normally your GP will have contacted you to inform you about the programme, and you will then have signed up either using our online referral form or by calling our team.

There are three ways to take part in the programme, depending on your personal preference; either group sessions in person, group sessions held remotely via Teams (which is like Zoom), or the one-to-one digital service.

• In person group sessions: These group sessions are run by a trained health coach, in a variety of convenient local venues, with up to 20 patients per group. They allow patients to connect with others on the same journey, in a supportive, expert-led environment.
• Remote group sessions: These group sessions are live, interactive group sessions, run by a trained health coach using video conferencing. This allows patients to connect with others in the same supportive, expert-led environment, but from the comfort of their own home.
• Digital programme: This allows patients to access the programme individually, either app only or with telephone call support too. Patients can access personalised guidance through an easy-to-use app, ideal for busy schedules.

All options start with an initial telephone assessment to assess your health and wellbeing, understand your individual needs, motivations and programme goals. You will then either join a group programme or access one-to-one support from your health coach via phone calls and in-app messaging.

Regardless of your choice of programme, the sessions provide education on nutrition, physical activity and holistic wellbeing strategies. The sessions will help you initiate change and empower you for long term success.

The sessions are mostly held Monday to Saturday with evening appointments available. We will always contact you before we book an appointment to ensure we are booking a day and time that is suitable for yourself. Once you have joined a group, all the sessions your group do together will be on the same day and at the same time.

Our group sessions are held in various local venues such as leisure centres, village halls and community centres. You will be given a choice of the nearest locations when we contact you to book.

Please make sure you bring a pen and paper with you to each session; there may be activities where you want to make notes to support your learning or record your goals at each session.

Yes. This programme is designed to help you build healthy habits around eating, physical activity, stress management, and weight, which can support blood pressure and overall wellbeing.

You’re welcome to check your blood pressure at home if you find it helpful, but the programme does not set specific monitoring schedules or interpret readings. Speak to your primary care team for advice on how often you should check it.

No, the programme does not provide blood pressure monitors. If you choose to monitor at home, you can purchase an approved device from many retailers. Your primary care team or pharmacist can offer guidance if you’re unsure.

Yes. Because weight can affect blood pressure and overall health, we collect a weight measurement at each session. This helps your coach to support you whether your goal is to lose or maintain your weight.

No. This programme supports overall health and wellbeing, providing tools, information, and guidance for your weight goals – whether you want to lose or maintain weight. If weight loss is appropriate for you and one of your goals, the programme will help you set realistic targets and work towards them safely.

Many people with high blood pressure can keep active safely. The programme will help you to set activity goals that feel comfortable for you. If you’ve been given exercise restrictions before, or you’re unsure what’s safe, please check with your primary care team first.

You may still be eligible, as long as you meet the programme criteria. Speak to your GP if you are unsure whether the programme is suitable for you.

No. All medication decisions – including starting, stopping, or adjusting doses – are made by your GP. This programme focuses on lifestyle changes to support overall health. If you have any questions about your medication, please speak to your GP or pharmacist.

Harleston Medical Practice  

Prospect Medical Practice  

Ludham & Stalham Green Surgeries   

East Norfolk Medical Practice  

Magdalen Medical Practice

Ibstock & Barlestone Surgeries  

Castle Medical Group  

Spinney Hill Medical Centre  

South Leicestershire Medical Partnership  

The Billesdon Surgery  

Merridale Medical Centre

Red House Surgery

The Blenheim Medical Centre

Wheatfield Surgery

Gardenia Practice