'It's not just medical care, it's dignity and hope'

An NHS trust is to offer more support to marginalised and vulnerable adults.

Essex Partnership University NHS Trust's Health Outreach team has helped hundreds of people from diverse backgrounds and marginalised communities in east and west Suffolk.

Now a year-long pilot scheme will extend the team's work to north-east Essex.

Kat Saunders, a clinical team manager who covers east Suffolk, said it "allows us to continue reaching those who might otherwise fall through the cracks, offering not just medical care but also dignity and hope".

She added: "The team are highly skilled at engaging people when they are their most vulnerable."

The aim is to connect people to mainstream health and social care.

Staff can deliver services in hotels, hostels, squats, on the streets, in church halls, bed and breakfasts, and at soup kitchens.

The team currently supports about 35 people experiencing homelessness during an average week, and helps many others in temporary accommodation.

It has worked with more than 500 refugees and people seeking asylum over the last two years.

A spokesperson for the health trust said: "This was a direct response to people arriving into the UK and being urgently placed in hotel accommodation."

The care includes vaccinations, health screening, treatment for wounds, mental health assessments and advice.

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