Innovative approach to helping rough sleepers in Trafford showing promise

The Mobile Health Unit helped nearly 40 people on its first outing across Trafford

Written by Thom Bamford
Last updated 2 years ago
People, Trafford

An innovative new approach to helping Trafford’s rough sleepers is proving a huge help.

Trafford Council have provided a new ‘mobile health unit’ which provides immediate medial care to rough sleepers and the homeless.

The medical unit helped and supported 37 people on its first outing.

The unit visited Stretford, Old Trafford, Sale, Altrincham and Partington.

On hand was a range of treatments including vaccinations, health checks, blood tests, mobile ECG tests, dentist support, sexual health advice and immunisation support.

In all, staff carried out 31 health checks, 17 dental referrals, 13 smoking cessation referrals, six drug/alcohol referrals, two mental health referrals, three GP registration assistance, five weight loss referrals, five queries, five covid vaccination requests and nine flu vaccination requests.

Trafford Council were successful in getting funding from the Government of £237,526 as part of the Rough Sleeper Initiative (RSI).

The funding can now be used to provide a tenancy support worker, a personalisation fund and more emergency accommodation and support.

Trafford will also benefit from a full time rough sleeper outreach worker, a psychologist, a dual diagnosis worker and funding for two workers to help with complex cases.

The mobile unit will be parked up in the following locations later this month:

October 24:
12pm – 2pm: Bluesci (Old Trafford) M16 0LN
3pm – 5pm: Greenbank M16 0LR
October 27:
11:30am – 2pm: St Brides M16 9NW
3pm – 5pm: Bluesci (Partington) M31 4LP

Cllr James Wright, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Neighbourhoods, said he was delighted. Cllr Wright said: “Trafford Council and the Executive is totally committed to helping homeless people and those who are sleeping rough.

“This mobile health unit has provided much-needed support to 37 individuals in Trafford – a fantastic
achievement.

“Those individuals may never have received their treatment had it not been for the mobile health unit.

“The unit will be out again at the end of this month and we hope to treat even more people then.”

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