Collaborative Partners

Loughborough University

The BHF National Centre for Physical Activity and Health is part of the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences (SSEHS) at Loughborough University. The School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences is now the title of Loughborough University's world renowned Department of Physical Education, Sport Science and Recreation Management. It is located within the university's Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. Led by a team of experienced professors, the School is involved in internationally recognised research in the fields of exercise physiology, sports biomechanics, sport and exercise psychology, sociology of sport, sport and leisure policy and management, physical education and pedagogy, and physical activity and health. Much of the School's research is carried out in collaboration with outside organisations, including industry, national charities, other national agencies and local government authorities.

The School hosts several Research Institutes and Centres:

• Institute of Sport and Leisure Policy;
• Institute of Youth Sport;
• Centre for Olympic Studies and Research;
• Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport; and
• The British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity and Health (BHFNC).

British Heart Foundation (BHF)

The BHF National Centre for Physical Activity and Health (BHFNC) has been funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) since 2000. The aim of the BHF is to play a leading role in the fight against disease of the heart and circulation so that it is no longer a major cause of disability and premature death.
The BHF is the largest independent funder of heart research in the UK. The organisation plays an important role in funding education, reaching the public and health professionals. It also provides life-saving cardiac equipment and support for rehabilitation and patient care.

The BHF have several key areas of work which include:

• Research - the BHF funds around 1,200 research projects investigating every aspect of heart disease - from causes and safer drugs to improving surgical techniques.
• BHF Professors - the BHF funds 30 professors of cardiology based in medical schools and hospitals across the country.
• BHF Family Heart Study - this ground-breaking research project aims to pinpoint the ‘rogue' genes which contribute to coronary heart disease with the support of 2,000 families.
• Cardiovascular Initiative (CVI) - this multi-million pound investment is providing heart specialists with the equipment and facilities they need for cutting edge research and treatment.
• Education - the BHF produce a wide range of publications, videos and other materials for health professionals and the public.
• Raising awareness - the BHF informs people about how to improve the health of their heart through public information campaigns, advertising and media.
• Medical Training - the BHF funds training for medical professionals to help them recognise and treat heart conditions.
• BHF Nurses - the BHF funds BHF Nurses who visit heart patients with all types of heart conditions in their homes.
• Life-saving equipment - the BHF provides defibrillators and echocardiograph machines for hospitals, emergency services and first-aiders.
• Heartstart UK - over 1,200 Heartstart UK schemes and schools teach people what to do in an emergency.
• Public Affairs - the BHF works closely with MPs, peers and civil servants to ensure heart disease is a key focus in Government health and social care policy.

For more information on the BHF, please visit their site at: www.bhf.org.uk.