A NEW project aiming to tackle health inequalities and improve the wellbeing of the homeless population in Blackburn with Darwen is to be launched.

Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen will unveil the scheme on Monday, which will see people’s views shared with other organisations on how best to provide support.

In 2015, 275,500 people approached their council for homelessness assistance in England and it is estimated that 3,569 slept rough per night - a rise of 30 per cent from 2014, Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen said.

The project hopes to bring together groups including the Salvation Army, Shelter, Thomas and Nightsafe.

Youngsters from Nightsafe will take part in a series of art workshops running throughout the project allowing them to share their views and experiences in a visual way.

The project will be supported by health and social care students at Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio along with Amplify volunteers.

Ben Pearson, project manager, said: “This is a really exciting project which will give one of the most seldom heard groups a say on local services.

“We are being both creative and flexible in the way in which we engage to ensure we listen to as many people as possible, we will be out evenings and weekends working closely with partner organisations.

“I am particularly looking forward to the art workshops and excited at the prospect of recruiting those with lived experience as volunteers by the second stage of the project.”

A Homeless Task Group meeting will be held on Thursday, August 25, from 2pm to 4pm at Blackburn Enterprise Centre.