Health programme tackling barriers to services

Dozens of members of the Stockton-on-Tees community had their blood pressure checked

"Critical health barriers" faced by migrants are being addressed by a new campaign.

Healthwatch said it was aiming to run four events a year as part of its health and care ambassadors programme in Stockton offering blood pressure checks.

An event earlier this month was attended by 100 people from diverse backgrounds,

Manager Natasha Douglas said: "There is now a commitment from all services to ensure continued relationship building with our communities."

The event, on 11 October, was hosted by Purple Rose, a Stockton organisation which supports asylum seekers, refugees and anyone who needs help.

Organisers said the aim was to address challenges such as trust, language barriers, and limited knowledge of available resources.

Attendees had the opportunity to speak to representatives from Northern Cancer Voices, NHS 0-19 Service, Public Health, Prostate Cancer, NHS Smoking Cessation, Bowel Screening, and Safer Communities and other health and care services.

During the event, more than 50 attendees had their blood pressure checked and and received triage to essential healthcare services, organisers said.