Thousands of Adur and Worthing residents benefit from ‘Going Local’ scheme

The community referral scheme, which officially launched in 2016, is delivered by Adur & Worthing Councils.

It helps to improve the wellbeing of people with non-medical problems which might be impacting on their health.

This includes supporting people with housing and financial issues, or helping them to discover new interests.

Among those who have benefitted from the scheme include an elderly couple in poor health who were being evicted from their rented accommodation. They were referred for housing support and given help with accessing benefits.

Meanwhile, another resident with serious health issues was suffering from depression. He was given help with financial issues that were contributing to his condition and was referred to MIND for mental health support.

Councillor Kevin Boram, Adur District Council’s executive member for health and wellbeing, said: “When there are things we are feeling anxious about, it can have a knock on effect on our physical and mental health.

“The Going Local scheme has allowed us to take a more holistic approach to supporting our communities, working with residents to tackle any underlying issues and prevent them from becoming more complex.”

The number of people who have been referred to the scheme have more than doubled since the previous year, Adur & Worthing Councils said.

This is due to more people needing help during the coronavirus pandemic.

The scheme was previously only run as a referral service from GPs and other health professionals – but now, residents can refer themselves.

Over the past year, the issues the team has helped people with include financial worries, housing needs, loneliness and support with their mental health.

And in response to the pandemic, the Going Local team established the councils’ community response in March 2020, to meet the needs of residents. This included providing emergency food provision to hundreds of people in need.

The team of six social prescribers are working closely with all GP practices in Adur and Worthing to support the covid vaccination effort.

Looking ahead, a volunteer programme is being developed to enable the scheme to increase its support to the community.

Councillor Val Turner, Worthing Borough Council’s executive member for health and wellbeing, said: “The Going Local team has had to adapt rapidly in response to pandemic to meet the changing needs of the local community.

“Through social prescribing and by working in partnership with the primary care services and local organisations, we are able to address the impact of covid on individuals’ lives.”

Find out more about the Going Local scheme at www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/community-wellbeing/going-local.