Blood Pressure UK’s annual campaign, Know Your Numbers Week, runs from the 7-13 September 2026 and aims to reach those who have high blood pressure and don’t know it, so they can get the treatment and support they need to bring it under control. The campaign marks one year since the launch of a blood pressure monitor loan scheme in Devon’s libraries.
High blood pressure rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if untreated, it increases the risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes. The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to get it checked.
The blood pressure monitor loan scheme, a One Devon initiative, led by Devon County Council Public Health, Libraries Unlimited and NHS Devon ICB has seen over 850 blood pressure monitor loans in its first year.
All of Devon’s 50 libraries have blood pressure kits which can be borrowed for up to three weeks. The kits include a monitor, a simple instruction leaflet, a blood pressure diary to record the readings, and advice on what to do if numbers are high.
The aim of the loan scheme is to encourage more people to regularly check their blood pressure at home and submit their readings to their local surgery – as it could save their life.
This Know Your Numbers! week even more residents are being encouraged to borrow a blood pressure monitor from their local library.
Dr Kay Brennan, Northern Devon based GP and Strategic Clinical Advisor in Long Term Conditions for NHS Devon, said:
“We are delighted with the success of the scheme and the number of people in Devon who know their numbers as a result. As it is estimated that around 65,000 adults in Devon may be living with undiagnosed hypertension, there are many more people who could benefit.
“Know Your Numbers! week is the perfect time to highlight the importance of checking your blood pressure – doing so could save your life.
“Thanks to the library loan scheme this is now easy to do at home or you can get your blood pressure checked at your local pharmacy.”
Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for public health, communities and libraries, said:
Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for public health, communities and libraries, said:
“It’s vitally important that we all take steps to manage our own health and wellbeing, and a key part of that is knowing our blood pressure numbers. By checking our blood pressure regularly, we can better understand our health, make positive lifestyle changes where needed, and seek advice from our GP if concerns are identified.
“During my tour of Devon’s libraries earlier this year, I was delighted to hear about the success of the blood pressure monitor scheme since its launch last year. What was particularly powerful was hearing the stories of individuals whose lives have been changed, and in some cases potentially saved, as a result of using the monitors.
“One story that really stayed with me was of a resident who thought the machine must be faulty because the reading was so high. Thankfully, they followed the advice to contact their GP, who confirmed that the monitor was working correctly and that urgent medical attention was needed. It is a powerful reminder of how something as simple as a blood pressure check can make a life-saving difference.
“Our libraries are fantastic community spaces that offer so much more than books. Through our partnership with Public Health Devon, they are playing an increasingly important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of residents, providing accessible services that help people take positive steps towards living healthier lives.”
As part of Know Your Numbers Week three libraries, with support from Public Health Devon, are hosting drop-in events where people can come and find out about the loan scheme and how to check blood pressure in the comfort of home:
- Seaton Library on Monday 7 September between 10am and 1pm
- Cullompton Library on Tuesday 8 September between 10am and 2pm
- Newton Abbot Library on Wednesday 9 September between 10am and 1pm
More information about the Check Your Blood Pressure campaign can be found on the NHS Devon website.