Pioneering programme is helping improve health of Wisbech’s homeless

A pioneering project, spearheaded by a team of health partnerships, is helping to break down barriers and promote better health for the homeless in Wisbech.

The innovative new project, led by the East of England Cancer Alliance in partnership with Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System, has seen specially trained health navigators placed in the town’s hostels for the homeless, as well as elsewhere in the region, including King’s Lynn, Cambridge, Peterborough.

The navigators offer personalised support as part of the project, which aims to ensure people experiencing homelessness are not left behind when it comes to accessing essential healthcare. They work closely with individuals to build a rapport, register them with GPs, and encourage uptake of basic health checks and routine screenings.

They also attend appointments alongside clients and explain medical information in clear terms. Advocating healthier lifestyle choices and running health workshops designed to promote long-term wellbeing are also key parts of the health navigator’s role.

Dr Frankie Swords, executive medical director of Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, said: “This programme is a powerful example of how person-centred care can make a real difference.

“By meeting people where they are, our health navigators are helping to improve and encourage access to healthcare for people experiencing homelessness. It’s inspiring to see the positive impact this initiative is already having across the region and in our Integrated Care System in Norfolk and Waveney.”

Gini Melesi, head of transformation for East of England Cancer Alliance, said: “We are really encouraged by the results we have seen from the programme so far and look forward to improving access to healthcare for this community.”

A key focus of the programme is early detection of cancer and hepatitis C, with particular attention on boosting early diagnosis of liver cancer. Currently, around 40% of liver cancer diagnoses happen in emergency settings like A&E departments. By this stage, the disease is often advanced and difficult to treat.

Hepatitis C is one of the main causes of liver cancer and increasing hepatitis C screenings is another important part of the programme.

In addition to the health navigators, the East of England Cancer Alliance also runs a mobile hepatitis testing van that visits homeless hostels. Those staffing the van and the health navigators work closely together, with the health navigators helping to raise awareness of the van visits and increase uptake of testing.

Lucy Koenigsberger, health navigator, said: “Each person I have supported has been full of gratitude. Most of the people we support have said that without our help, they would not have been able to achieve what we have helped them to do.

“Being a health navigator is a really rewarding role. Every day, I see how even small steps, like helping someone register with a GP or attend a screening, can have a huge impact on their confidence and health. It’s a privilege to support people on their journey and to be part of something that genuinely changes lives.”