First Community launches Neighbourhood Navigation service in east Surrey
First Community has launched a new Neighbourhood Navigation service to help adults in east Surrey improve their health and wellbeing by connecting them to local, non-medical support.
The service offers social prescribing, enabling GPs and other healthcare professionals to refer people aged 18 and over to a team of neighbourhood navigators. These navigators work with individuals to understand their needs and link them to local groups, activities, and services that can address issues such as loneliness, financial pressures, stress, isolation or drug/alcohol abuse.
The navigators use the Joy platform to signpost people to local services and to manage referrals. Community organisations are encouraged to register on Joy so they can be easily found and connected with residents in need.
Delighted at the launch of the new service, Helen Dredge, Service Manager said, "Health and wellbeing isn't just about being prescribed medicine, it's also about connection, support, and community. Neighbourhood Navigation will make it easier for people in east Surrey to access support that can make a real difference to their daily lives.
"We're looking forward to working closely with GP and other healthcare professionals across east Surrey to manage referrals and make the new service a success.
"By directing patients to appropriate community services and groups we hope that the new service will reduce the pressure on other NHS services by decreasing GP consultations, A&E attendances, and hospital admissions."
To access the service, east Surrey residents should speak to their GP or other healthcare professional to make a referral. They can also self-refer to activities of their choice via Joy.
The service is being introduced to east Surrey GP practices in phases, and the team will be liaising with practices directly to support them with making referrals.
Further information about the service is available via the website: www.firstcommunityhealthcare.co.uk/neighbourhood-navigation.