At Ferry Project we have increasingly been working with local Health Services to help improve the lives of our clients, and have undertaken some pioneering ways of helping those experiencing homelessness gain better access to health services within a rural setting. Life expectancy on the streets is known to be lower than the national average, and often we see more ill health. It is often difficult for residents at the Ferry project to access health care provision and have often lost confidence in health care professionals. By bringing various Health Services ‘to their home’ means there is a much higher level of attendance and trusting relationships can be built.

Health Navigator & Health Key Worker

We employ a Health Navigator and a Health Key Worker. They are here to support people experiencing homelessness with their healthcare needs. Their role is to listen to the needs of the individual and connect them with the appropriate healthcare services, such as GPs, outpatient appointments, A&E, pharmacies, and cancer screenings. They also help with general health checks, such as blood tests, and appointments with the nurse. Our team also provide various health related workshops aimed at improving habits.

Mental Health Support & Counselling

We currently have access to counselling services which are provided by a contracted counsellor. This gives our clients the opportunity to work on self-care, as well as  previous traumatic experiences that have become protracted into their adult lives.

Dual diagnosis offers our clients a gateway to work with other agencies, and one to one trauma informed support. This can include therapies such as modified cognitive behavioural therapy, EMDR (eye movement, desensitisation and reprogramming therapy) which is specifically aimed those with complex trauma, drug and alcohol support and generalised wellbeing support.

Clients are triaged by dual diagnosis nurse, and then they can be referred to the Primary Care mental health services for further assessment, and potentially assessment with a psychiatrist. This pathway ensure that the right care is given by the right person.

Access to medical records means that a chronology of mental health history is available, ensuring that clients can have a medication review, their medication recommenced and to gather information on risk management. If needed they will be referred to secondary mental health service and their support co-ordinated by Fenland Adult Locality team.