HWST and PCP LEG Project – Nite Light Southbank Hub Engagement

Shared experiences

At the hub, we spoke with a wide mix of individuals from a range of ethnic backgrounds and countries, including people living with health conditions, experiences of substance use and poor mental health. They shared their experiences of trying to access and navigate health and social care services. Most people we spoke to were not using the NHS App, so we showed them how to access and use it. We also talked about how they could get involved in the Middlesbrough lived experience groups and have their voices heard.

Services in the Community

In addition, we offered free healthy heart checks through routine blood pressure measurements. Across session we completed 14 blood pressures, with five tests reading as ‘high’ blood pressure, necessary action was taken with guidance and information provided to all participants. The people who spoke too were grateful for having an accessible, convenient and safe space to get their blood pressure measured. One person utilising the community café stated that it was great to see such a service been offered and praised the ‘vital’ work we were carrying out. Another person said “I never go to the doctors and get checked, but its good you are here”. 

Similar conversations

The conversations matched what we’ve already been hearing at Nite Light, with people saying it’s getting harder to find their way around health and social care services, especially for those dealing with several challenges at the same time.