Redbridge holds drop-in health event for rough sleepers
Published: 30 June 2022
A special event to offer basic health care and support to rough sleepers was held in Ilford this week at The Welcome centre.
The event was aimed at those experiencing or having experienced rough sleeping in Redbridge, and bought together a wide range of local health and social care providers to provide valuable support to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
During the event, attendees were able to access advice and referrals to specialist services to support their wide-ranging health and social care needs. A wide range of interventions on the day included:
- Health screening
- COVID 19 Vaccination
- Free haircuts
- Healthy eating / Nutrition
- Massage Therapy
- Mental Health advice information & referral
- Eye tests
- Oral Hygiene/ Dentistry
- Foot care services
- Smoking cessation
- Substance misuse advice information and referrals
Mojo, a mobile barber who frequently provides free haircuts for the homeless said “ events likes this allows me to do my bit to help vulnerable groups such as rough sleepers. Something as simple as a haircut or even a shave can make a positive difference to someone who can’t necessarily afford to visit a barber or a salon. It gives me a great deal of personal satisfaction to know I’m making a positive contribution, whilst we continue to tackle and one day make rough sleeping a thing of the past”
Cllr Vanisha Solanki, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said: "We have a long-term plan to eradicate rough sleeping in Redbridge once and for all. In the meantime, the least we can do is provide basic care and support to those sleeping rough through no fault of their own. Life can be very tough for them, and we must do everything we can to support them.
"Many of the services on offer today are things we take for granted. People sleeping rough often don't have the means to get their hair cut, their eyes tested, or book a dentist appointment.
"It worked well, having all the various services under one roof today, and it's something we will look to stage again shortly. A big thanks to the providers who kindly gave up their time today to make it possible."
