Health event for Amble fishermen
Health events for Amble fishermen and families
Well Up North Primary Care Network (PCN), as part of its health equity drive for the people of North Northumberland, has joined forces with the SeaFit Programme, along with Healthwatch Northumberland and Amble Harbourmaster to deliver a new health equity pilot programme ‘Health at the Quayside’ for the fishing community of Amble (past and present), and their families. The SeaFit Programme is run jointly by The Fishermen’s Mission and the Seafarers Hospital Society.
Dr Saul Miller, Clinical Director of Well Up North says ‘We are really excited to be bringing together those like ourselves who want to help improve the health of fishing communities along the north Northumberland coast. If this initiative proves successful it will make waves all around the British coast given the many fishing communities there still are and their known health difficulties.’
The first event will take place on the 25th January from 1pm to 3pm at Coquet House, Amble, NE65 0AP. There will be a range of free services for retired and active fishermen from health checks, physiotherapist, mental health support, Prostate Cancer UK, a GP, pharmacist and a Social Prescribing Link Worker. Healthwatch Northumberland will also be on hand to listen to the fishermen’s experiences of local health services.
Karen Gibson, Health Inequality Project Lead for the PCN states “This pilot programme is designed to improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of our fishermen. Working in the fishing industry is one of THE most challenging jobs. Work-related injuries are high within this industry and time spent at sea means it can be difficult to access appropriate healthcare. We also know that there is anxiety within the community in relation to requirements for the ML5 medical certificates coming into play in November 2023. There will be plenty of information available on this, along with our healthcare team providing on the spot support. We are very much looking forward to working collaboratively with our partners in this pilot. Healthcare in a place based setting in the heart of the fishing community in Amble.
Carol Elliott, SeaFit Manager, says “The SeaFit Programme has been running for the past four years, taking health and wellbeing services to various ports throughout the UK. We are delighted to see the interest that is growing from PCNs and other healthcare providers. This means we are able to connect more fishermen with much needed health and wellbeing support through the Fishermen’s Mission and the Seafarers Hospital Society.
Further dates throughout the year are: Wed 29th March, Wed 31st May, Wed 26th July , Wed 27th September, Wed 29th November. Keep an eye on our events page for details.
For further information about welfare support please contact the Fishermen’s Mission Area Officer Peter Dade 07917 754259
For further information about the SeaFit Programme please contact Carolelliott@fishermensmision.org.uk or call 07486 319621
This event has now passed
