Asra Midlands, supported by parent company Sanctuary Housing Association, launched an innovative new health scheme last Friday (17th March) in a bid to help its ethnic residents understand the increased health risks they are facing.

Studies have shown that Asians are twice as likely to suffer heart disease and up to six times more likely to suffer diabetes than the white population. With these alarming statistics in mind, Asra Midlands, a BME housing association, based in Leicester, decided to raise awareness of the risks by providing its residents with access to more practical information.

Secretary of State for Health, Patricia Hewitt MP, gave the Association her support by coming along to the launch event at Asra House, a care home operated by Asra Midlands.

The launch proved to be very popular with residents and the turnout on the day was high. It took the form of talks from leading diabetes and cardiology specialists coupled with practical displays from Eastern Leicester Primary Care Trust and Leicester City Patients Advice Liaison Service. Health checks, provided by a nurse at the event, were another popular feature. These included waist measurement checks which could help determine whether an individual was more likely to develop diabetes plus blood pressure checks.