Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB are offering sessions providing hot food, access to health services, advice and support to people experiencing homelessness.
Held in collaboration with Hertfordshire County Council and local charities, the sessions are intended to improve access to flu and Covid-19 vaccine clinics, cancer screening, mental health support and support for gambling addiction.
The sessions are held every three months in homeless hostels in Borehamwood, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, Stevenage and Watford.
ICB chief executive Dr Jane Halpin, said: ‘Reducing barriers to accessing vital health services is a key priority not only for the NHS but for our partners across Hertfordshire and west Essex.
‘The need to address health inequalities has never been more urgent but by working with our partners we can identify the communities most in need and come up with effective solutions to address the challenges in front of us. This project for people affected by homelessness is an excellent example of how we can achieve more for everyone in Hertfordshire and west Essex by working together.’
The council’s executive member for public health and community safety, Morris Bright MBE, said: ‘This is such an important project as it is actively addressing health inequalities within this community and reducing some of the barriers that people who are homeless may experience in accessing health services.’
