A new service helping people who face the greatest barriers to healthcare get the support they need has been launched in Darlington.
Commissioned by Darlington Borough Council and delivered by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, the new Health Squad service is taking healthcare into the heart of local communities, ensuring vulnerable residents with complex needs don't fall through the gaps.
Directly supporting the Council's ambition for people to live well and stay healthy for longer, the service targets people who struggle to access traditional healthcare and support services because of stigma, discrimination, poverty, trauma, violence or previous negative experiences.
It delivers flexible, person-centred care to those who need it most, when and where it is needed, working closely with partners across health, social care and the voluntary sector to connect people to the right support at the right time.
Offering comprehensive health assessments, personalised support plans and advocacy services, the health squad is already building trusted relationships within the community, helping people feel heard, understood and confident in seeking support.
Gill Hunt, Chief Nurse at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, added: "Health Squad is taking personalised, compassionate support directly into local communities, building relationships and reaching people who may not otherwise engage with health services. By understanding what matters to each individual, we can provide tailored support that works for them and help address the wider factors that influence health including housing, finances and social circumstances."
Since June 2026, it has supported more than 40 individuals, including “Robert”, who was helped to register with a GP and attend an appointment to access medication for an underlying mental health condition.
Robert also received support to engage with housing services and begin the process of securing suitable accommodation to support his long-term wellbeing.
Caroline Todd, Manager at Kings Church Food Bank, which is hosting sessions where people can access support from the Health Squad, praised the initiative saying: “This is an invaluable, much needed service. Most of our clients have some sort of health crisis and can find it difficult to keep up with regular appointments and meetings. Seeing a regular face from the team shows that someone actually cares about their needs and is helping people grow in trust and get the help they need.”
The service operates Monday - Friday across a growing number of community venues in the town, as well as offering appointments at locations convenient to the service user.
Cllr Matthew Roche, cabinet member for health and housing, Darlington Borough Council, said: "Disadvantage and inequality in our Borough results in a number of barriers in accessing essential services. This leads to worse health outcomes for many residents.
"By offering targeted support in the community, Health Squad is helping to tackle persistent health inequalities and is a great example of joined up working. It is helping people get support earlier, improving health outcomes and reducing avoidable pressure on the NHS."
Most referrals currently come through partner organisations, although residents can also self-refer through the council website. Regular community clinics will be introduced as the service develops.
