Unique outreach team supports marginalised groups
Our Health Outreach team supports hundreds of people from diverse backgrounds and all from marginalised communities.
They work across Suffolk to offer treatment, care, advocacy and advice for homeless people, refugees and asylum seekers, gypsies and travellers, migrant workers and ex-offenders.
Their role is to connect marginalised and vulnerable adults to mainstream health and social care services.
The 16 core staff take care and services directly to the people they serve and there is an administration team who provide valuable business support.
The team will deliver services in any environment, including homes, hotels, hostels, squats, on the streets, church halls, bed and breakfasts, and at soup kitchens. They also hold daily drop-in sessions at their base in Ipswich.
Kat Saunders, who is one of the clinical team managers and covers east Suffolk, said: “I think the most unique thing is there isn’t a team like us anywhere else.
“We cover so many marginalised groups, whereas other services for vulnerable people only cover single population groups.
“We’re multi-disciplinary, so we all have huge strengths and knowledge in different areas and really draw on that knowledge. Everyone knows something useful!
“The team are highly skilled at engaging people when they are their most vulnerable.
“We are also hugely collaborative with other organisations. We’ve got some amazing partners, which makes a difference.”
The Health Outreach team currently support about 35 street homeless people during an average week, and many others in temporary accommodation.
They have worked with more than 500 refugees and people seeking asylum over the last two years. This was a direct response to people arriving into the UK and being urgently placed in hotel accommodation.
The team give wide-ranging care, including vaccinations, health screening, treatment for wounds, mental health assessments and health advice.
They also work closely with GPs, charities, councils and voluntary organisations to support people to access health and social care.
Building trust and rapport with their patients is crucial, especially as many will have had difficult experiences dealing with official services and authorities, or are reluctant or don’t know how to seek support.
Kat, who has worked with the team for 17 years, said: “You can’t get bored. Every day is different.
“The team are a joy to work with, all of them are so enthusiastic and motivated to help people.
“That’s why they get up in the morning and do their job. Working with staff who are that passionate about what they do is really important.”
Sam Doran, 55, has complex chronic mental and physical health conditions. The outreach team have helped him with access to medication, benefits, adjustments to his home and arranging for carers to support him. They are currently helping him to get a mobility scooter.
He said: “The staff are really nice, they don’t judge you. I couldn’t believe my luck to be honest with you.
“I was in a lot of children’s homes when I was a kid, since I was 18 months old until I was 16. I have been through a lot.
“The team knew this and that little things would trigger things in my head. Something I watched on the television or on the news would bring back what I have been through.
“I don’t think I would be here without them, honestly. They have given me confidence, I never used to ask for help.
“They’ve been really good with me and very patient whenever I’ve needed help, even in emergencies out of hours.”
John Clegg, 60, spent 40 years living outdoors by choice and has chronic foot and ankle problems, as well as early onset Parkinson’s disease. The Health Outreach team have supported him to receive health care and housing.
John has also struggled with his mental health, particularly since his partner died in 2021, which led to him to feeling suicidal.
“I think I would be dead if it weren’t for them,” he said.
“I feel like I’m healing now, that I’m getting a grasp of myself. I will never be the same.
“There is no way to help someone with grief, but you can talk about it. Sam [the team’s mental health nurse] has been there for me, she’s the only person who has been there for me.”
John added: “The team have given me the most help I have ever had from any health organisation.
“They are so helpful, so kind and understanding."