Thousands helped by 'going local' scheme

It was set up back in 2016 but the number of people needed the service more than doubled last year due to the pandemic

Author: Adam GoacherPublished 13th Mar 2021

Thousands of residents in Adur & Worthing have benefitted from a scheme, aimed at helping people with their social, emotional and practical needs.

Going Local, which was launched in 2016, helped more than 2,300 people last year.

That represents more than double the amount of people using the service from the previous year, mainly due to the COVID pandemic.

It was previously only run as a referral service from GPs but now residents can refer themselves directly to the scheme.

In the past year, the main issues the scheme has helped with include financial worries, housing needs, loneliness and mental health support.

Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing, Cllr Kevin Boram, 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.”

Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing, Cllr Val Turner, 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.”

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