A day to raise awareness of those living on our streets has been bolstered by a campaign to help rough sleepers on Norfolk's coast. 

The number of self-referrals from homeless people has increased following a collaboration between Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) and East Norfolk Medical Practice. 

An information day was held at The Drill House in Great Yarmouth where a dozen stalls were set up, including one that provided food for up to 200 people, donated by a local supermarket. 

Leah Spry, NSFT team manager, said: “The event was really informal, yet interactive.” 

People were also able to speak to professionals for mental health support, get haircuts and flu jabs, take away clothes and enjoy entertainment provided by a roller-skating circus performer.

And the service users were not the only ones who benefited from the event. 

Ms Spry added: “The event helped increase our own knowledge and learn new skills to create some lasting positive changes for ourselves, our teams and the people we serve. 

“We all need one another to make a difference and feel good about what we do.” 

She said that the day would not have happened without the support of Katrina Kelly, patient welfare manager with East Norfolk Medical Practice.  

Ms Kelly said: “East Norfolk Medical Practice has always had a passion for supporting our homeless patients. We are always looking for ways to develop and improve. 

“This day was a great success and we registered two patients who didn’t have a GP.”  

Finally, chief nurse Anthony Deery added: “Sharing knowledge and resources is a vital way to make sure all our communities get safer, kinder and better care.” 

The collaborators have said they will continue their partnership.