Posted on: 5 October 2023
Many of the residents in Hillingdon’s Heathrow villages feel that their access to healthcare locally is very limited, with four out of the five villages having no GP, dentist or pharmacy.
In order to deliver healthcare to those who need it most, CNWL and community volunteers like Armelle Thomas – a passionate advocate for better health provision – launched the Heathrow Villages Wellbeing Bus on 3 October.
The services available on the bus are being co-designed by local residents, so CNWL wants to hear from everyone in the area to find out what need to support their health and wellbeing.
Collaboration is at the heart of this pilot and CNWL is working with Hillingdon Council to use their youth bus on the days when it is not scheduled for its usual activities.
On Tuesdays until the end of January 2024, the bus will visit each village in turn, on rotation. Residents in Harmondsworth, Sipson, Harlington, Longford and Cranford Cross will all benefit.
Staff from the NHS and other local agencies will be there to provide health and wellbeing advice and information.
Anyone eligible for Covid and flu vaccinations can drop in to our next session on 24 October in Harlington, when the NWL ICB Roving team will be on the. All are welcome to visit and no appointment is needed.
CNWL is committed to working with the community, local council and community organisations to improve access to care for residents near to their homes and provide innovative solutions to tackle health inequalities.
We want this pilot to succeed so not only can we continue to support the Heathrow Villages community but we can also look at other areas across Hillingdon where access to health care can be challenging.
Click here to see the Heathrow Villages Wellbeing Bus timetable.