NHS Somerset / Somerset Council / Our Somerset
‘Take the Pressure Off’
Health awareness campaign for Hypertension
Over half of all strokes and heart attacks in Somerset are caused by high blood pressure—often called the "silent killer." With a higher-than-average prevalence of hypertension in the county, it was time for a bold, visual campaign to grab attention and drive action.
Commissioned by NHS Somerset and Somerset Council, I developed the visual identity for their largest-ever health awareness campaign: Take the Pressure Off. The goal? To test thousands of residents, raise awareness, and encourage early detection of high blood pressure.
A key audience was men over 40, a group statistically less likely to visit their GP for routine check-ups, making them more vulnerable to undiagnosed high blood pressure. Take the Pressure Off was designed with them in mind and to meet them where they are – at work, in sports clubs, pubs, and in their local community.
A bold and unapologetic visual identity
Guided by NHS brand guidelines, I created a recognisable design system: striking colours, bold typography, and data-driven headlines that made the messages impossible to ignore. From digital assets to printed materials, every design element worked to cut through and drive engagement.
Designing for visibility & engagement
The campaign was rolled out across Somerset, reaching residents where they work, live, and socialise. We created:
Printed collateral – Brochures, leaflets, case studies and posters to share key messages and testing events.
Digital & social media assets – Engaging graphics for online visibility.
Workplace & Event Branding – Consistent visuals across workplace testing sites, sports clubs, pharmacies, and community hubs.
With free testing at pharmacies, libraries, and workplaces, the campaign ensured that hypertension awareness became unavoidable. Every touchpoint was designed to educate and encourage action with the more easily accessible blood pressure checks.
Bold visuals, compelling messaging, and a seamless campaign rollout, our Take the Pressure Off campaign successfully put hypertension awareness front and centre — empowering Somerset residents to take control of their health.
Results:
3,000 Blood Pressure Checks: The campaign reached its ambitious target ahead of schedule, conducting 3,000 blood pressure checks across Somerset well within 12 months.
Increased Public Awareness: A survey indicated that following the campaign, over 80% of participants had a moderate to good understanding of hypertension and its associated risks.
Accessible Monitoring Options: Due to the success of the campaign, blood pressure monitor loans from libraries has been extended for a longer time period.
