A volunteer-supported model to addressing wider determinants of health

Connect Well Croydon is our latest social prescribing project to launch, using a volunteer-supported model to refer people to community-based services.

We’ve been working with Karen Chillman, Head of Volunteering at Volunteer Centre Croydon, to set up the Connect Well Croydon social prescribing service to support local people access community-based services, and help address some of the wider determinants of health.

Using a volunter-supported model, Karen and her team of Connect Well Guides are providing 1-1 support to people and help them navigate to the right support and service for them.

The project is quickly gaining recognition and engagement from health professionals and community partners, such as the Council’s Adult Social Care, Youth and Neighbourhood teams as well as Police Community Support Officers, as a trusted referral route.

“It’s definitely increasing local knowledge of the services available out in the community, and promotes the value of the sector. We’ve now got the Police getting involved which is great, with Community Support Officer’s having access via their mobiles so they can quickly support residents whilst out on the streets.”

Read Karen’s story