The Health Action Plan (HAP) Support Service is a pilot programme which aims to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for people with learning disabilities.
The Health Action Plan (HAP) Support Service is a pilot programme delivered by Hamelin in partnership with NHS Essex. It aims to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for people with learning disabilities by providing personalised support following their Annual Health Check (AHC). As a charity supporting adults with learning disabilities across Essex, we regularly hear from people, parents and colleagues, that even when AHCs are completed, the person is often given no accessible support to improve their identified health concerns.
A Health Action Plan identifies an individual's health needs, priorities and goals, helping ensure that recommendations from health checks lead to meaningful action. Plans are developed collaboratively with individuals and, where appropriate, their families or carers.
The programme supports individuals to understand their health needs, set achievable goals and access relevant healthcare and community services. Support may include healthy eating, weight management, increasing physical activity, reducing smoking, improving emotional wellbeing, reducing social isolation and overcoming barriers to healthcare.
The service includes accessible health information, referrals and signposting to relevant services, six-month follow-up reviews and support to prepare for future Annual Health Checks. Progress is reviewed regularly, with goals updated according to individual needs.
The programme is being delivered in stages across selected areas of Essex. Stage 1 covers Billericay Primary Care Network, with Stage 2 covering Clacton and Tendring Primary Care Networks. Hamelin works with participating GP practices, healthcare providers, community organisations and families or carers, where appropriate, to provide coordinated support and help people with learning disabilities access the right services and achieve better health outcomes.
Our aim for this pilot is to prove the power of true partnership between the health system and voluntary sector; together delivering the NHS targets relating to AHC take up and learning disability wellbeing.
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We’re proud to work with a broad cross-section of our community; together improving the world for disabled and neurodiverse people. Our work is only possible thanks to individuals and businesses generously giving us their time, fundraising efforts and donations.
