A new health and wellbeing bus will visit Lambeth communities this summer to provide Covid-19 tests and vaccinations.
Lambeth Together, a project to create a new health and social care system for the borough is organising the bus, which will also offer health advice and support.
Lambeth council, local NHS bodies, voluntary organisations and local community groups make up Lambeth Together.
The adapted bus will improve access to health and wellbeing advice and support for residents near their homes.
Over the summer the bus will go to areas where vaccine uptake has been lowest. It is a walk-in service with no appointment needed.
Cllr Lucy Caldicott, Lambeth council joint cabinet member for health and social care, said: “We are well aware of the impact Covid-19 pandemic has had on our residents, particularly those from communities where health inequalities are greatest.
“Giving advice around Covid-19 at this time is crucial, but, equally, we want to make sure we reach many more residents to help them stay happy, healthy and well after what has been a very difficult year.”
Vaccine roll-out remains a priority, but residents can also visit the bus to speak to a clinician or a Covid Wellbeing Ambassador about the vaccine and pick up testing kits.
Over-40s can also get a first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine, or second dose eight weeks after their first.
Advice and guidance on a wide range of issues – from voluntary-led initiatives that combat loneliness, to benefits or housing advice, to guidance on how to quit smoking and NHS health checks – will also be available.
“Ultimately, we want the bus to become a place through which residents and communities can access advice and support to improve their health and wellbeing,” Cllr Caldicott said.
The bus will be in the Brixton area tomorrow (5 August) at 156 Loughborough Road SW9 7LL from 11am to 6pm.
On Friday it will be outside Sports Direct on Pope’s Road; on Saturday and Sunday in the car park of the Acre Lane Tesco.
For details and other dates visit the dedicated bus page on the Lambeth Together website.
For information on Covid-19 in Lambeth and support available to residents, visit lambeth.gov.uk/covid-19.
The local NHS pop-up vaccination clinics see the NHS South East London clinical commissioning group website.
