People in barrow will have the opportunity to talk about their health and wellbeing needs

People in Barrow will have the chance to talk to professionals about all aspects of their health and wellbeing needs when Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust’s (LSCFT) HARRI (Health, Advice, Recovery, Resilience and Information) engagement vehicle visits the area, locally known as the HARRI van.

HARRI has embarked on a tour of the 11 wards in Barrow visiting communities in Askam-in-Furness, Dalton-in-Furness, Roose and Ormgsill. The next visit will be on Monday 10 January from 12.30pm to 4.30pm at Sacred Heart Church Car Park, Risedale, Barrow-in-Furness (further tour dates can be found below). Measures will be in place to ensure events are COVID safe, by asking participants to take note of any signs regarding sanitising hands and wearing of face masks on the day.

Professionals from the Bay Health and Care Partners (BHCP) will offer people advice, support and signpost to relevant health, care, Third Sector and Voluntary, Care, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) services.

A range of partners will be joining each event including Cumbria County Council, Mind, Furness Carers, Police & Fire Service and many more, each event will be different.

Maxine Barron, Development Lead for Barrow Integrated Care Community (ICC), said: “It’s really important to us that we visit all 11 wards in Barrow and give our communities as many opportunities as possible to come and talk to us about their health and wellbeing.

“The aims of the tour are to find out how local people are and what could make their lives better as we emerge from the pandemic; by asking people:

•  if they are feeling connected to their communities and;
• whether lockdowns and self-isolation have increased feelings of loneliness;
• how they are finding access to services particularly medical and dental;
• why some people are reluctant to have the vaccine and help debunk some of the myths and the importance of having a booster and;
• whether they are digitally included and;
• signposting them to the correct support/training (if wanted) to support them if we were to go back into lockdown."

Maxine added: “The feedback we receive will be fed back to relevant health and care services and help shape the support Barrow ICC offers our communities.”

Hasan Sidat, Senior Operational Manager for Recovery and Resilience, LSCFT, said: “The aim of the HARRI van is to go out into communities and listen to what matters to people and offer advice, support and signposting and we’re looking forward to engaging with the communities in Barrow. This is a fantastic opportunity to work collaboratively with partners across all sectors to visit every ward to listen and capture what communities in Barrow need and want to lead happier lives.”

What will be on offer at the Barrow tour?

• The tour will offer information on ‘keeping people connected’ which encourages communities to look out for their neighbours this winter. People will be able to access information cards with complimentary teabags and biscuits to encourage them to post them to a neighbour who is lonely or isolated (People will be encouraged to follow COVID restrictions).
• A survey will be carried out with people to find out how connected they are. The feedback will shape the support the ICC offers. Everyone who takes part will be entered into a raffle draw with the winner receiving a prize.
• People will be able to access information about the BeWellFest 2022 which will take place on 19 March 2022 at Forum/Barrow Town Hall and aims to feedback from the events on what communities have identified they need and want to lead happier lives.
• Health checks will be offered if people want these and there will be availability to have private conversations with Partners in attendance on the HARRI van.

When will HARRI visit my ward?

·         Monday 31 January 2022 - 10am - 1pm: Skelwith Drive Community Centre, Hawcoat

·         Monday 31 January 2022 - 2pm – 5pm: Lesh Lane Stores, Newbarns & Parkside

·         Monday 14 February 2022 - 10am -1pm: Near Co-Op, Barrow Island

·         Monday 14 February 2022 - 2pm – 5pm: Dalton Road, Barrow Town Centre

·         Monday 14 March 2022 - 10am – 1pm: Car park near the library on Mill Lane, Walney

·         Monday 14 March 2022- 2pm – 5pm: Roundhouse Car Park, Walney

ICCs were developed by BHCP to ensure that services are tailored for the needs of the local population. There are eight ICCs around Morecambe Bay, each with its own priorities. You can find out more about the ICCs at the BHCP website here. 

Since April 2021, HARRI has visited communities in 79 locations throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria. More than 120 partners have supported the visits including giving blood pressure checks to 438 people and 51 COVID vaccinations and further support to the homeless. You can find out more about HARRI at the LSCFT website here https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/harri