Humber fishermen to get harbour healthcare

Fishermen in Grimsby and Hull will be able to access health advice in a harbour-based mobile unit

A project supporting fishermen and their families is expanding to take medical and wellbeing checks to harbours in Grimsby and Hull.

YOURhealth already provides support to the fishing industry on the Yorkshire coast.

Health officials said crews struggled to access services and suffered poor diets, long working hours and financial pressure.

The Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust said having a mobile unit would "remove the barrier" to accessing advice.

What does it cover?

• Weight management

• Nutrition advice

• Stop smoking services

• Alcohol and addiction

• Isolation and loneliness

• Mental health support

• Financial help

• Welfare checks

Kayleigh Barrington, team leader for the project said: "We have seen first-hand in places such as Bridlington and Whitby the need for providing healthcare onsite.

"We hope by expanding our support to more fisherman we can continue to reduce the health inequalities they face and [they] feel able to come forward and seek support where needed."

The project will also include retired workers from the fishing industry to offer group support and look at long-term issues such as mental health and diabetes.