South Norfolk and Broadland Councils extend support for residents
The Help Hub, that supports people in Broadland and South Norfolk by offering practical help, advice and guidance, has extended its geographical reach and its opening hours.
Run by South Norfolk Council and Broadland District Council, the Help Hub has increased its phone line hours so that support is now available to anyone seeking help from 8:15am to 10pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).
Additionally, Community Connectors – staff members who work in the Help Hub – now cover the whole of Broadland and South Norfolk, having previously been working solely in South Norfolk. Community Connectors can help residents in the two districts access support services, completely in confidence, and can help people to:
- be part of their community
- have positive relationships
- gain skills and feel confident
- have a warm and safe home
- be free from money worries
Community Connectors can also put residents in touch with activities and groups where they live, or support people to start their own project, group or event.
In South Norfolk, they also work from all GP surgeries across the district delivering social prescribing, which is a non-medical solution to social, emotional and practical issues that may be causing, or exacerbating, health problems. It’s a way to access extra services and support through a GP, nurse or health care professional to improve health and wellbeing. Alternatively, any patient in a GP practice can make an appointment with the social prescriber through the practice reception team.
Broadland District Council’s portfolio holder for wellbeing, Cllr Fran Whymark, said:
“I am delighted that we are now able to provide this important service to more people and at times that may be more convenient to them. Everybody needs a bit of extra support from time to time and the Help Hub makes sure you can get it as soon as possible, which could stop problems from getting worse.”
South Norfolk’s Cabinet member for better lives, Cllr Alison Thomas, said:
"Our Help Hub is doing fantastic work to support residents, and this has never been more evident than the work being done during the Covid-19 recovery period. Our Community Connectors are helping to relieve pressure on the NHS and are available to help with any issues that may be causing residents concern.
If you need help, please do get in touch, we are ready and able to provide support.”
Go to the Help Hub webpage for more information and to find out how to access support.