Signposting

'Connecting People to Services across Herefordshire and Worcestershire'

Signposting has been very successful within the county of Herefordshire, with approximately 18,000 referrals being accessed to date.  Within this service over £11 million of benefits entitlements have been claimed where previously they had not.  

The Herefordshire model of Signposting has now been replicated within Worcestershire and has generated significant interest around other counties within the UK.

Definition

Vulnerable Adult - Is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and maybe unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or serious exploitation.   ‘No Secrets’ documentation Dept of Health (2000)

Purpose of Signposting

The main purpose of the service is to reach people who may not already be engaging with services, and who may be deemed ‘at risk’.  They may be individuals who are experiencing financial hardship and not coping well within their own home for a number of reasons; such as difficulties with basic repairs and maintenance, home security, home safety or facing difficulties with day to day living tasks i.e. cooking and personal care skills.

An easy to use signposting referral form can be completed by a front line staff member from any of the partner organisations when visiting individuals within their own homes. The referral is designed to flag up or bring to the attention to a particular service provider that concerns have been raised about a person on the grounds listed above.

The form is then returned to the Signposting Co-ordinator, within Herefordshire or Worcestershire, who will process the referral by acting as a central clearing house for the information which is then forwarded to the relevant organisation so they can carry out an assessment for eligibility to provide the identified Service.

If you feel your staff team would benefit from using this service and would like further information please contact:

Worcestershire contact: signposting@hwfire.org.uk  or call: 01905 368229

Herefordshire contact: herefordsignposting@hwfire.org.uk  or call: 01432 347048

For more information on our Signposting partners please see our Partnerships Register