A mobile screening unit provided extra reassurance to the homeless community at The Salvation Army's annual health and information fair.

The event, held at the James Lee House Lifehouse (hostel) on Brick Street, Warrington, served as a one-stop shop of support for current and past residents.

The fair aimed to empower vulnerable individuals by connecting them with local organisations that could aid them in their journey out of homelessness.

Health professionals, including an optometrist and a mental health team, were present at the fayre.

Specialists from housing and benefit support agencies, who assist individuals in crisis situations, also offered guidance and advice.

A new addition to this year's event was the attendance of the local NHS trust's portable testing unit.

This unit screened attendees for Hepatitis C and performed a non-invasive scan to check liver health.

The aim was to identify those at risk of liver disease and provide necessary signposting.

Paul Winstone, a support worker at The Salvation Army James Lee House, said: "We strive to do our best for people experiencing homelessness and we’re proud to offer so much more than just giving someone a bed for the night.

"We provide practical support via a person-centred approach, giving people a reason to get up in the morning and see themselves as members of the community and not living with the label of homelessness.

"Our health and information fayre allowed our residents, and members within the community, to meet with organisations that can help them in their journey out of homelessness.

"The introduction this year of the mobile screening unit being present reinforced the fact that we are committed to putting the needs of the people we care for first, ensuring that they are given everything they need to make positive changes in their lives."

James Lee House has been providing 54 beds for men and women over the age of 18 experiencing homelessness in and around Warrington for more than five decades.

The Salvation Army's Lifehouses, such as James Lee House, offer specialist support and guidance to help residents address the complex reasons behind their homelessness and assist them in breaking this cycle.

Callum*, 44, a resident at James Lee House for the past four months following a relationship breakdown, shared his experience.

He said: "It’s a great resource to have all the organisations you could need coming to you on one day and being able to access their services and get the advice you need.

"For many people it is hard to get up in the morning and there are times when you feel worthless, embarrassed and lack confidence.

"But knowing that you can attend something like this, and don’t have to venture far and everyone is in the same boat, is really something, it’s fantastic.

"A lot of people just need someone to believe in them, The Salvation Army do that, they give people that first step they need to better their life."

*Name changed for anonymity purposes.