PEOPLE with severe mental illnesses are being urged to take up free physical health checks as part of a district-wide campaign to tackle health inequalities.

The campaign has been launched by Healthy Minds and is being led by Mind in Bradford.

In Bradford and Craven, there are currently around 7,800 people who have been diagnosed with a severe mental illness (SMI) - around one per cent of the population.

Statistics have suggested that life expectancy is 15 to 20 years lower for people with an SMI, while they are also twice as likely to have diabetes or die of cancer, and three times more likely to die of heart disease.

SMI programme manager, Masira Hans, said: “Our work to support people with an SMI is really important, as we are tackling a huge health inequality gap.

“We urge anyone who lives in the district and has a diagnosed SMI to take up these annual checks.

“People should not suffer poor physical health because they have a mental health diagnosis.”

The 30-minute appointment includes weight and blood pressure checks, alcohol and smoking assessments and blood tests.

GPs will contact people to offer the annual physical health check or people can call them to book an appointment.

For more information, visit www.healthyminds.services/content-article/smi.