Cambridgeshire Community Navigators
Lead service provider/commissioner
Name:
Cambridgeshire County Council
Type of knowledge
Type of knowledge:
Project evaluation
Type of evaluation:
Outcome evaluation; Survey; Focus group; Interviews
Prevention service description
The CN service operates via a team of: a Countywide Community Navigators Manager; five Community Navigators District Coordinators (one for each district who come from a range of back grounds including social work, domiciliary care and community development; a Wellbeing Worker who has a mental health background working with clients with mild/moderate mental health needs; a Project Support Worker; and a network of Community Navigator volunteers (both community and organisational) who then act as a local key point of contact, identifying and assisting isolated older people in accessing appropriate services and activities at an early stage and so delaying or preventing crisis.
The CN seek out isolated older and vulnerable adults as well as respond to enquiries or referrals. The CN works with clients to develop local solutions to their issues and have detailed knowledge of activities available in their local area. CN provide a wide range of information and support, for example – providing details of social activities and services; assistance in accessing trades people; support in the home; responding to benefits queries, housing and mental health issues. The District Coordinators all hold a NVQ Level 3 in Information, Advice and Guidance and therefore are able to offer advice as well as signposting and supporting people to services and opportunities
Intervention/service type:
Support at home; Telecare and telehealth; Befriending, mentoring and peer support; Information and advice; Community services; Low-level support; Carers support; Social prescribing; Self-care
Target client group(s):
Older people; Adults with long-term health conditions; Adults with learning disabilities; Adults with mental health problems; Carers; Adults with physical disabilities; Vulnerable adults
