A WELFARE and medical bus specialising in providing support to vulnerable residents made its first visit to Harwich this week.

The Road SOS Bus, which is normally found in Colchester High Street, parked outside the Park Pavilion on Monday to offer support to residents.

Workers offered advice and guidance to residents who could drop in and get support on a variety of topics including housing, health, alcohol and drugs.

The bus has been organised in partnership with Shelter and Health Enlisting Local Support and the North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group.

The trip to Harwich was orchestrated following successful trial runs in Clacton-on-Sea.

Linda Embleton, a health advocate onboard the bus, said: “It was a very proactive day in Harwich, I felt it went really well.

“Everyone who asked for assistance received help there and then, by ways or support and referrals.

“Schools will be reopening next Monday so there will be more footfall coming our way.

“There is need across the whole of Tendring so it is really good news we are able to take the bus to Harwich and support residents there.”

In addition to Linda, on board the bus will be Open Road, a drug and alcohol recovery service, a mental health nurse and social prescribers from Community Voluntary Services Tendring.

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Support for shopping and equipment is also on offer and if the team doesn’t have the answer they will signpost people to the relevant agencies.

Ivan Henderson, Harwich and Kingsway Ward councillor, said: “I am so pleased to have this support service in Harwich, reaching out to those who sometimes find it difficult to access these services.

“Early intervention and prevention is really important to prevent an individual’s circumstances escalating into bigger problems.

“I want to say a big thank you to all the partner agencies for their time and commitment.”

While Mark Shorter, from the NEECCG, added: “It was great to see the SOS bus in Harwich on Monday with a team of professionals ready to support residents.

“The SHELLS partnership are keen to outreach into communities to provide expert advice, guidance and support.

“Please feel free to come and visit the SOS bus to access these services.”

You can find the Open Road SOS bus outside the Park Pavilion in Harwich between 10am and 3pm.