New live well community navigation service to connect local people

New Community Navigators are to connect residents in Tameside with tailored support in their local communities.

Tameside Council are funding Action Together in Tameside to deliver the new Live Well Community Navigation Service, and it is set to launch later this year. Funding has been secured for three years, with the option to extend if successful.

Community Navigation is an approach linking people with their wider community and their offer of activities, groups and services. This approach aims to improve people’s health and wellbeing, reduce health inequalities, and is proven to increase involvement in local communities.

At the core of the service are Community Navigators, connecting people with their wider communities. Importantly, putting the person at the centre and guiding them to support which meets each person’s priorities.

Community Navigators provide personalised knowledge to people who may otherwise struggle to approach and connect with non-clinical services in their communities. This could be a peer support group, social, creative and/or physical activities matched with the person being supported by the service.

This service is about understanding what more support is needed and will invest money back into the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector.

The offer aligns with existing priorities in Tameside’s Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Locality Plan and the vision for Live Well in Tameside, as part of the wider Live Well vision for Greater Manchester.

Tameside Council First Deputy and Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing Cllr Michael Smith said:

“We have such an incredible community offer across our nine towns, but some people might not be aware or feel confident exploring it what’s in their local area.”

As we reimagine what it looks like to Live Well in Tameside, this service is set to lead the way and transform the way residents connect with their community. Ultimately, supporting people to live healthy and active lives, by linking them with tailored support focused on the things that matter them.’’

Anna Hynes Tameside Director for Action Together CIO said:

"All our lives can be complicated. Sometimes we just don’t know where to start and need some support to improve things. Action Together in Tameside will work with a range of partners to get people to the right support for them.

‘’Community Navigation will work alongside people to identify and find community support that works best for them, building connections, interests and finding practical help so we can all Live Well. We will share more information ahead of the launch later this year.”

Action Together CIO supports the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise sector in Tameside. Find out more about Action Together CIO at www.actiontogether.org.uk