New project aims to assess the kind of emergency health support needed by Hull rough sleepers
Healthwatch is carrying out a survey in the city
Data shows there is a high demand for emergency services from rough sleepers in Hull.
A new project is trying to find out more about the experience of those who need help so they can get better support in the future.
Healthwatch is out talking to people until the end of November to get feedback to see if there are new ways people can be better supported.
We've spoken to Lewis Etoria the senior community engagement manager with Yorkshire ambulance service.
"We're talking to some of the organisations in Hull who work with and also support rough sleepers."
"Also we're talking to people who've been sleeping rough themselves."
It's being done to try and improve services
"It's just to get an idea of how they're using us and why they're using us."
"What their experiences are like and what more we can do."
"Ultimately it's to try and improve services and get people to the right care."
Working closely with our communities is the best way of understanding how we can improve our services for the people who use them.
“This work with the rough sleeper community will provide both us and our partners with valuable information and insight which we can then turn into real improvements for them when they need to access urgent and emergency services.”
Healthwatch is looking for volunteers
Carrie Duran, of Healthwatch Hull, said: “Over the next six months we will be gathering insights from the rough sleeper community, ambulance staff and local partners to gain a full picture of ambulance access issues for the rough sleeper community.
We will do this in a number of ways, through surveys, one-to-one interviews and focus groups.
“Healthwatch is also looking for a small number of enthusiastic volunteers who have previous lived experience of rough sleeping, to help shape the work and support the engagement activity.”
They say: If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Healthwatch Hull on enquiries@healthwatchkingstonuponhull.co.uk or call Carrie Duran on 01482 595505. Or you can complete this booking form https://forms.office.com/e/m0Ssz5F1sF