Urgent and Emergency Care Winter Programme

Individuals reached through local outreach, including social media, awareness campaigns, health information, leaflets and community engagement

Outreach events, drop-ins and planned sessions.

Spring North project managed a winter health programme across Lancashire and South Cumbria, collaborating with the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) and local voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations. The programme aimed to help vulnerable people remain safe, healthy, and independent at home during the colder months, reducing unnecessary hospital visits and alleviating pressure on emergency care services.

Project completed in partnership with:

Spring North collaborated with six local delivery partners across three key areas. In Blackpool, individuals with long-term respiratory conditions received support through health advice, warm homes, and help staying connected. In Blackburn Central Ward, adults and families facing challenges such as homelessness, substance use, or poor mental health were provided with tailored, practical support. In Darwen, older residents at risk of falls were provided with advice, home adaptations, and exercises to help them feel safer and more confident in their own homes.

The programme reached over 16,500 people through local awareness campaigns and provided direct, one-to-one support to more than 1,170 individuals. More than half of those supported said they would now turn to their GP, pharmacist or local services instead of going directly to A&E.

Spring North provided programme management, contract oversight, and data monitoring to help ensure the work stayed on track and delivered tangible outcomes. The front-line delivery was carried out by local partners: Citizens Advice Blackpool, Groundwork, Age UK Blackburn with Darwen, 180 Project, Thomas, and Red Rose Recovery. The impact was felt across communities. A mother in Blackburn now feels confident managing her child’s asthma. An older man in Darwen feels safer at home after small adjustments were made. A resident in Blackpool no longer fears winter thanks to energy advice and support.

This programme demonstrated the power of local, community-led support in helping people live well and alleviating pressure on health services. Spring North remains dedicated to collaborating with partners to expand this approach in the future.

Individuals reached through local outreach, including social media, awareness campaigns, health information, leaflets and community engagement

Outreach events, drop-ins and planned sessions.

"We’ve engaged with lots of vulnerable people supporting them to avoid going to hospital, changing behaviour and giving them alternatives."

Mike From The Grange

Project Funded By :

From Panic to Calm...

“Before, I didn’t know where to turn. I’d panic and end up in A&E. Now I’ve got support, a plan, and people I trust to help me through.” When a woman in her mid-30s was referred by a friend to the Community Kitchen and Women’s Hub, she arrived feeling anxious, withdrawn, and unsure about opening up. For years, she had struggled with overwhelming anxiety and panic attacks. In the past, moments of crisis would often lead her to call 999 or rush to A&E, simply because she didn’t know where else to turn. Through gentle conversations and a welcoming environment, she slowly began to engage. The team supported her in making a self-referral to local talking therapies and encouraged her to speak with her GP about medication options. She also started attending weekly mobility and mindfulness sessions and found strength in peer support from others with similar experiences. As part of her journey, the team worked with her to develop a personal crisis plan, including helpline numbers, breathing exercises, and a trusted contact she could reach out to when she felt overwhelmed. The results have been transformative. Since joining the project, she has not needed to access urgent care services. She feels more in control of her mental health and has even begun sharing her experience to encourage others to seek help early. With ongoing support from her GP, therapist, and the community hub, she continues to build resilience and confidence for the future.