Local NHS organisations are once again working together to showcase some of the innovations and amazing healthcare teams there are across the region, as the Hull and East Riding Health Expo returns to the DoubleTree by Hilton, Hull on Thursday 10 October, from 10am until 3:30pm.

Now in its fourth year, the Hull and East Riding Health Expo is an annual exhibition and celebration organised by Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, East Riding of Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Hull CCG, City Health Care Partnership CIC and Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust.

One in four people will be affected by mental health problems at some point in their life, as World Mental Health Day coincides with the Health Expo, advice, information and practical help with all manner of mental health issues will be on hand. In 2018, over 6,500 people took their own lives, in a bid to raise awareness of death by suicide the Health Expo will pause at 11am to dim the lights and ‘shine a light’ during a minute’s silence. Free 20 minute suicide training will be on offer to help people understand how they can make all the difference to someone experiencing suicidal thoughts.

There are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK right now, and that number is expected to rise to 1 million people by 2025. The Health Expo will have experts on hand to reassure and guide people on what to do if they are worried about a friend or loved one, or they can step back in time and reminisce in a 50s-style kitchen. Avid knitters will also be able to pick up free knitting patterns for Twiddlemuffs and Twiddle Bears, which can help to calm people with dementia if they become anxious or upset.

Whilst this year will have a theme on mental health, there will be a wide range of other exhibitions offering advice and guidance. Many people who have been invited for cancer screening may be worried or anxious about this, at the Health Expo there will be experts to chat to about what is involved. Simple tests or scans are straight forward and can save lives. Over 60,000 people across Hull and East Riding have high blood pressure, the Health Expo will offer people the opportunity to come along and get their blood pressure measured. Advice and expertise will also be on hand on how to manage your blood pressure.

One of the most popular sections of the Health Expo in previous years has been the careers fair, and this year will be no different. Organised in partnership with the University of Hull and Hull York Medical School, those who are looking to embark on a career in the NHS, find out about the diverse range of careers available in the NHS or want information on returning to work after a career break will want to make sure they pop along for a visit.

This year’s Health Expo will also see something new brought to the event; an attempt to help local families tackle fuel and food poverty in partnership with EMS. Organisers are encouraging everyone who attends the Expo to bring an item with them which can be placed in a drop box available at the Hilton hotel and then passed through to the Hull Community Shop to help families in need  Suitable items include tinned food, toiletries and household cleaning products.

The Hull and East Riding Health Expo will take place from 10am to 3:30pm on Thursday 10 October at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Hull. Admission is free, and the event is open to both the public and professionals.