A team of health workers will be out on the streets of Norwich this Christmas ensuring people who are homeless have access to the health and care they need.

Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust's City Reach staff are trying to help as many homeless people as possible this year and are encouraging the public to alert them if they have seen people who are sleeping rough in the city.

Reports of people sleeping rough in and around the Norwich area will be fed to the City Reach team via the local authority, so City Reach's staff can get out to them as soon as possible. The team will then offer them healthcare and health assessments, and join up with other health and care teams, directing those most in need to emergency housing or further support.

The City Reach project sees around 50 vulnerable patients a month including homeless people, asylum seekers, gypsies and travellers, and sex workers.

Kevin Hanner, City Reach lead, said: 'During the winter and the festive season the care our team provides can be even more vital for vulnerable people. Homeless people are particularly at risk during the bitter winter period. The team always tries to be as flexible as possible to make sure we can meet the needs of our clients. We work closely with our partners, including other NHS services, local councils, and private and voluntary teams, to help provide a really holistic service.'

The public can make a report about someone sleeping rough by visiting Street Link www.streetlink.org.uk