THE 9,000 people from the Goa in Swindon were the focus of an event on Saturday aimed at safeguarding their health.

The NHS encouraged the Goan community – believed to be the highest number in England – to get free blood pressure tests, nutrition and exercise advice and help for quitting smoking.

Diabetes checks were also on offer as people from the Indian state suffer in high numbers from the illness because of a susceptible weak gene.

Doctors believe too many people are ignoring their health issues or are waiting until they visit Goa to seek advice. But they say the longer they leave a problem the worse it can get.

The event, held at Broadgreen Community Centre, saw staff on hand to answer health-related questions and give out information which people could take home and discuss with their families.

There was live music from band Angelo and lots of healthy, freshly cooked Goan meals, which included spicy potatoes, chickpeas and chicken.

Advice was also given on how to prepare foods that would fit into a diet of someone who has diabetes.

Femi Olayisade, NHS Swindon’s public health programme manager, said: “This is a great event and the first of its kind for the Goan community in Swindon.

“Advice was given on a whole range of things including employment, housing, health and fitness.”

Sandra Gonsalves, an English additional language teacher at Drove Primary School, said: “When it comes to healthcare there seems to be a language barrier as a lot of Goans don’t speak very good English.

“Also in Goa you would be able to walk into a medical centre and see a doctor, but here you have to make an appointment first.

“A lot of Goans work night shifts, so to be able to schedule appointments can be quite difficult for them.”

Doctor Jenny Harries, the joint director of public health for NHS Swindon and Swindon Council, said: “It’s really good to see so many people of the Goan community at the event.

“One of the things we have concentrated on is the ethnic risk of diabetes. We wanted them to get tested and also get it followed up at a later date.”