A CHARITY hosted a Valentine’s Day event aimed at promoting self-care.

Shelter Lancashire, which offers support on housing and homeless issues, set up a stall in Blackburn Library to encourage service users to take an interest in their physical health.

Hub manager Emma Garner said the event was open to new and existing service users and a gave them the opportunity to get help with different aspects of their health.

A range of complimentary healthy snacks were available and volunteers from The Stroke Association and Couch to 5K were on hand to offer advice.

Ms Garner said: “We wanted to do something for Valentine’s Day to encourage our service users to love themselves and take care of themselves.

“We asked people to fill out a survey about their access to health care, detailing any aspects of their health they would like to improve.

“We had a variety of responses ranging from help getting fit and healthy eating to visiting the dentist.

“If it’s something we can help with we will organise for them to receive support ourselves, if not, we refer them on to other agencies who can.”

Ms Garner said such events were vital for making contact with service users who may need urgent help.

She said: "It’s important that we hold these events so people can access us when they need us.

“The people that have come out today are here because they need to help now.

“It’s important they can get access to assistance before things become urgent."

Ms Garner said the surveys also give service users the opportunity to give feedback on support they receive.

She said: “The events are a great way for us to get feedback which enables us to tailor our service and lets us know if we need to offer something different.

“For example, a lot of homeless people often go to A&E as a last resort so one of the questions asks if they have been in the last six months.

“If the feedback suggests there are a lot of people using A&E in that way, we know we need to set up a drop-in there.”

Shelter offers a range of help and advice on all housing and homeless issues

Those wishing to use the service can call to make an appointment or come into the hub, which is based in Blackburn Library, where they will have an initial chat with one of the team to see how best they can help.

Computers and telephones will be available to allow service users to access the internet for advice, to claim benefits, or to bid on properties.

Call 0344 515 1831 to book.