Health Outreach and Inclusion Service

Our service aims are:

• To become an accomplished health service provider for homeless people/families, gypsies and travellers, vulnerable migrants and sex workers
• To discharge service users once accessing mainstream services
• To provide and maintain a confidential service as far as is possible giving information with regard to the limitations of confidentiality
• To undertake a health needs assessment if required of all cohorts referred within the Ashton, Wigan and Leigh Borough
• To promote equal opportunities regardless of age, race, religion, sexual identity or disability
• To be committed to the principle of participation and to provide opportunities for the users of the service to influence services provided
• To monitor and evaluate the service provided in order to continually improve and maintain quality.

Our services are available to vulnerable migrants, homeless people, gypsies and travellers, and sex workers within the Wigan Borough.

We accept self-referrals and referrals from professionals.

Service users can be seen at a clinic in one of our community venues or a home visit can be arranged.

• Boston House, Wigan
• Leigh Walk-in-Centre
• Community venue, please contact us for details

In addition to help accessing health services, we can offer:

• General physical assessment
• Blood sugar screening
• Chlamydia testing
• Screening for Blood Borne Virus ( BBV) Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV and referral into specialist services if the results are positive
• Pregnancy testing
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Urinalysis
• Weight and BMI
• Healthy eating
• Clinic in a box
• Advocacy
• Child health advice
• Signposting to services

Search the NHS website or ring 01942 482711 to find the nearest GP.

Collect registration forms, fill them in and an appointment will be made to register .

You will need to show proof of address and some form of ID.

You may be entitled to help with NHS costs. Further information is available at NHS Choices Website, NHS in England – Help with health costs.

Search NHS website or ring 01942 482711 to find the nearest Dentist.

Collect and fill out medical history form and an appointment will be made.

You may be entitled to help with NHS costs. Further information is available at NHS Choices Website, NHS in England – Help with health costs.

We can help you access health services if you are experiencing any health issues, including the following:

• Hypertension
• Dental Health
• Post-traumatic stress
• Mental health issues
• Antenatal care
• Skin conditions
• Respiratory disorders
• GI symptoms
• Allergies
• Heart disease
• Musculoskeletal problems
• Learning disability
• Physical disability
• Parasitical infections
• Child health problems
• Ophthalmology issues
• Ear, nose and throat
• Cancers
• Gynaecological
• Podiatry
• GU problems male/female

Contraception is important to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy.

Contraception, including condoms, is free on the NHS and can be accessed from your GP, or a specialist sexual health clinic, there are more than 14 methods of contraception available, including long acting methods which can last from 3 months to 10 years, depending on which n you choose.

If you have unprotected sex, or the condom breaks, you can access emergency contraception up to 72 hours (sometimes longer) after unprotected sex, it is more effective the sooner you take it.

For more information on contraception, contact Wigan sexual health services or visit the NHS website.

Sexually Transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that can be caught through having unprotected sex with someone who is infected.

Some infections, such as chlamydia, have no symptoms, so it is important to get tested regularly even if you aren’t experiencing any problems.

The only way to protect yourself from STIs is to use a condom, or barrier method such as a dental dam, including for oral sex.

Everyone who is sexually active is at risk of STIs, however if you have more partners, or are a sex worker, your risk is higher.

It is important that you take precautions, and visit a sexual health clinic regularly. It is important to be honest with the nurse or health advisor, as they can make sure you get all the appropriate tests and advice.

Hepatitis B is an infection spread through sexual contact, and blood. It is possible to vaccinate against this infection with a course of three injections.

We recommend you get this vaccination if you are a sex worker or have sex with sex workers, a man who has sex with other men, somebody who injects drugs or who has sex with someone who does, or if you have sex with someone who is from a country where the rates of hepatitis b are higher.

You can get vaccinated at Wigan sexual health services.

PEP is medication that can be given if you are HIV negative and have had sexual contact or exposure with someone who is HIV positive.

It is a 28 day course of medication and needs to be commenced as soon as possible after you have been exposed. Guidelines suggest must be within 72hrs of exposure.

For more information, contact Wigan sexual health services, or visit the NHS website.

If you feel you have been unfairly treated by a health service in Wigan, or wish to make a complaint, you can contact the NHS Independent Complaints Advocacy (ICA) provided by the Carers Federation at wiganica@carersfederation.co.uk.

You can also contact Healthwatch Wigan and Leigh if you have had a good, or bad experience with a healthcare provider.

Alternative futures group – 0151 489 5501
http://www.afgroup.org.uk/

Bond street hostel – 01942 604 181
www.riverside.org.uk

The Brick – 01942 417 290
www.thebrick.org.uk

Independent domestic violence advocacy
www.barnardos.org.uk

LGBT Foundation – 0161 235 8000
www.lgbt.foundation

NHS 111 (non emergency medical issues) – 111

Refugee action – 0161 236 4285
www.refugee-action.org.uk

Wigan Young person’s sexual health – 01942 483 188
Spectrum Sexual Health Clinic

Holly House Women’s Refuge Helpline – 01942 867986

The service’s aims are:
To become an accomplished health service provider for homeless people/families, gypsies and travellers, vulnerable migrants and sex workers
To discharge service users once accessing mainstream services
To provide and maintain a confidential service as far as is possible giving information with regard to the limitations of confidentiality
To undertake a health needs assessment if required of all cohorts referred within the Ashton, Wigan and Leigh Borough
To promote equal opportunities regardless of age, race, religion, sexual identity or disability
To be committed to the principle of participation and to provide opportunities for the users of the service to influence services provided
To monitor and evaluate the service provided in order to continually improve and maintain quality.

Who can access the service?
The service works with the following groups who are residents of Wigan and Leigh:

People who are Homeless or in temporary accommodation
Vulnerable Migrants
Gypsies and travellers
Sex workers

How can people access the service?
By completing the referral form below and returning it to the service:
Health Outreach and Inclusion Service Form

Please feel free to get in touch with us for any help, information or advice:

Health Outreach and Inclusion Service
Longshoot Health Centre
Scholes
Wigan
WN1 3NH

Tel: 01942 483586
Text Relay: 18001 01942 483 856
Fax: 01942 483556