At Hamelin, we know that staying healthy is about much more than simply attending medical appointments. It is about being listened to, feeling understood and getting the right support at the right time and building your own resilience where possible. This belief continues to shape how we work and the partnerships we build.
That is why we are delighted that we are working with NHS Essex and the GP community on a new pilot programme designed to improve access to annual health checks for people with learning disabilities in parts of Essex where uptake is currently too low. This is an important and innovative step forward, and one that reflects all our shared commitment to reaching those who are too often underserved.
People with learning disabilities continue to face some of the biggest health inequalities in our communities. Nationally, adults with learning disabilities die on average around 20 years earlier than the general population. Too often, this is not because of their disability itself, but because of barriers to accessing healthcare, delays in diagnosis or difficulties getting the support they need. It is a reality that underlines why this work matters so much. In some areas of Essex, many eligible people are still missing out, with uptake below 20%. There is clearly more to be done.
Annual health checks can play a vital role in changing that. They provide an opportunity to identify health concerns early, before they become more serious, and to support people to live healthier, more independent lives as well as helping the health and care system to be sustainable and put the right resources in the right places. Through a year-long pilot, Hamelin will work alongside GP practices, people with learning disabilities and local partners, across Essex, to help increase the number of completed health checks, and importantly, to ensure they lead to meaningful action afterwards.
This programme is not simply about completing appointments or meeting targets. It is about building trusted relationships and helping people feel confident to take control of their health, something we know makes a lasting difference.
As part of the programme, we will:
• promote the importance of attending annual health checks
• help co-create personalised health action plans
• provide ongoing support to help people achieve their health goals
• connect people to specialist services and local support where needed
Our teams understand that every person’s needs, experiences and goals are different. By taking the time to listen and work alongside individuals, we can help ensure support is shaped around what matters most to them, something that sits at the heart of our approach.
At Hamelin, we believe people with learning disabilities deserve the same opportunities as everyone else to live healthy, fulfilling lives. The aim of this pilot is to not only improve health outcomes locally, but also help shape future approaches across Essex so that more people can benefit from personalised, proactive support.
Real change happens when organisations work together with communities, not just for them. This partnership is an important step in that direction, and we look forward to seeing the difference it will make.