A service helping people across Cornwall find practical, social and support is expanding its face-to-face work, with thousands more people expected to benefit each year.
Community Gateway already connects residents with help around issues including housing, money, wellbeing, transport and community activities. Its expanded outreach team will now be able to see at least 50 more people each week in their homes and communities, alongside the existing telephone service.
Age UK Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly says the Gateway has supported thousands of people since launching almost four years ago. More than 80 per cent of personalised support plans have been started within 72 hours of contact.
The service also works closely with health and . Last year it supported almost 900 people to return home from hospital with appropriate help in place. Age UK Cornwall estimates that avoiding two additional hospital nights for those people could represent around £870,000 in NHS savings.
The brings together voluntary, community and social-enterprise organisations with Cornwall Council and NHS partners. People can be referred by professionals, friends or family, or contact the service themselves.
Community Gateway operates seven days a week from 8am to 8pm throughout the year.