Healthy Redbridge Bus: delivering health services on your doorstep

If you're out and in the borough over the coming months, keep an eye out for the new Healthy Redbridge Bus.

The Healthy Redbridge Bus is an initiative led by Redbridge Council and our healthcare partners to provide health checks, vaccinations and other preventative services that can help your health in the long run.

Some of the services available on the Bus include cholesterol, sugar levels, blood pressure, BMI and pulse checks, advice on cardiovascular disease and prevention, winter vaccination clinics, smoking cessation services and substance misuse services. The Bus recently visited Ilford Town Centre, where more than 40 people hopped on board to receive a range of different health checks.

The Healthy Bus is part of Redbridge Council's commitment to decentralising council services, providing vital services in the centre of communities that need them most. 

As part of the programme, Redbridge Council also launched the new Ilford Engagement Hub in the heart of one of its busiest high streets and most deprived areas this week. The new hub will provide struggling Londoners with a range of council services, including cost-of-living support and advice. 

Cllr Jas Athwal, the Leader of Redbridge Council, said: “We’re bringing the Council into local communities, delivering vital services on local people’s doorstep. 

“We've introduced a new mobile health service to improve access to healthcare and relieve pressure on our local NHS. The bus will travel around the borough providing health checks for those at risk of diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure.”

Dr Anil Mehta, local GP and Clinical Director for Redbridge at NHS North East London, said: "We are delighted to support the Healthy Redbridge Bus as an initiative that can have a direct positive impact on the health and wellbeing of our local residents. By proactively taking health checks, vaccinations and other services into the community, we can make it easier for people to access help and advice. 

"This is a great example of how partners are working together in Redbridge to improve the lives of people across the borough."

The Healthy Redbridge Bus is open to all eligible residents and will travel around the borough, stopping at key sites with high footfall.

We are working with community organisations and faith groups in the borough to bring health services to local communities. If you would like to arrange for the Healthy Redbridge Bus to visit your organisation to offer an outreach health service, contact communityhealthchampions@redbridge.gov.uk

Please see below the full schedule for the Healthy Redbridge Bus:

• Tuesday 19 December, 9.30am – 12.30pm - Ilford Lane Engagement Hub, Jubilee Gardens, Ilford Lane, IG1 2HX
• Tuesday 9 January 2024, 9:30am-1pm – Aldi, High Road, Seven Kings IG3 8RS 
• Monday 22 January 2024, 9:30am-2pm – Christchurch Green, Wanstead E11 2RH

Visit our Healthy Redbridge page for more information on staying fit and well.