Neighbourhood Navigation Service celebrates six months of supporting local people
First Community's Neighbourhood Navigation Service is celebrating six months of helping people across east Surrey access the support, services and community connections they need to improve their health and wellbeing.
Since launching in November 2025, the service has gone from strength to strength, building strong relationships with GP practices, community organisations and local residents. Referrals have increased steadily, with the service receiving an average of 28 new referrals each month. During April to June 2026 alone, the team supported 98 referrals and made 78 signposts to community services and support organisations.
The service helps residents access practical and emotional support for a wide range of needs. It aims to reduce pressure on NHS services by helping people access the right support at the right time, preventing issues from escalating and reducing avoidable GP appointments, emergency hospital attendances and hospital admissions.
Mental health, loneliness and isolation, financial concerns and long-term health conditions are among the most common reasons people seek support from the team.
One resident, a 65-year-old woman referred for support with weight management, was connected with a range of local activities including exercise classes, community groups and wellbeing resources. Following support from the service, she reported losing nearly two stone, enrolled in gym-based exercise and aquarobics classes, and remained highly motivated to continue improving her health and wellbeing.
Speaking about the support she received, she said:
"I would like to thank Lucy for her help and enthusiasm in pointing me towards local events which will interest and help me. She has been compassionate, interested and a mine of information. I will miss speaking with her but I would like her to know how beneficial her time and efforts have been to me."
The service has also been supporting patients through community drop-in sessions including one held at Caterham Dene Hospital. One patient, who was preparing for discharge from hospital while caring for a husband living with dementia, received support from the team and was referred to dementia services, community groups and practical resources to help manage caring responsibilities.
Another patient, aged 94 and recovering from a fall, was connected with falls prevention support, community groups and local services to help him continue living independently and safely at home.
Alongside direct support, the service has significantly expanded the number of local community resources available through the JOY Marketplace. There are now 188 services listed across Tandridge and Reigate & Banstead, making it easier for residents and professionals to find local support.
The team has also strengthened its links with primary care, with 94% of local GP practices now live with JOY Connect, helping healthcare professionals make quicker and more effective referrals into community support services.
The Neighbourhood Navigation team continues to work closely with local partners, attend community events and develop new opportunities to reach residents who may benefit from support. Recent initiatives include the launch of community drop-in clinics, ongoing engagement with community hubs and plans to promote the service at East Surrey College later this year.
Speaking about the success of the first six months Helen Dredge, Neighbourhood Navigation Service Lead said, "Over the last six months, the Neighbourhood Navigation Service has demonstrated the real value of connecting people with the right support at the right time.
The team has built strong relationships with primary care, community organisations and residents, helping people improve their wellbeing, maintain their independence and feel less isolated.
The growth in referrals and community engagement reflects the positive impact the service is already having across east Surrey, and we look forward to building on this success in the months ahead."
Pictured above: Some of the Neighbourhood Navigation team members and community partners networking at a local event in east Surrey.