Health Outreach Service

Health Outreach supports marginalised and vulnerable adults into mainstream health services across Suffolk. This includes:

• Individuals experiencing homelessness
• Gypsies and travellers
• Asylum seekers
• Refugees
• Migrant workers
• Ex-offenders

We are a multi-disciplinary team made up of general and mental health nurses, social workers, outreach practitioners, support staff, a qualified psychological practitioner, a drug & alcohol trainer and locum GP sessions.

As an outreach service, we take health care directly to those who need it. This varies from hostels and hotels, to church halls and pavements with rough sleepers.
Our aim is to engage clients with mainstream health services, advocate for clients within these services to ensure their needs are met and they understand how the health system works.
We provide treatment and support as well as signposting to allied health services, social care, mental health services, housing providers, drug treatment services, and many others.

Professionals in these services gain knowledge and experience working with complex individuals.              

We do not have direct access to accommodation.

Partnership working

We work with Volunteering Matters as a service partner to support refugees and asylum seekers to integrate into local communities. We are fortunate to have strong local partnerships across the county within a multitude of statutory and voluntary sectors.

Our service is a valuable resource for the Communities of Suffolk and is a unique provision. Every client is treated as an individual through collaborative care planning, holistic assessments, support and care.

Members of the public can self-refer to this service in person by visiting us or by contacting the team via email or telephone.

Email: suffolk.smash@nhs.net
Telephone: 01473 341763

GPs and other healthcare professionals can also refer clients to this service by phone or through a referral form.