The Aim of Help Direct To support all adults across Lancashire to access practical support, guidance and/or information around a range of issues affecting their health, wellbeing and independence, to reduce the risk of these issues escalating to crisis point Help Direct is an important element of the modernisation of adult social care, its main benefit is in bringing together a wide range of agencies, community organisations and activities to help people find solutions to their problems

Key elements to Help Direct 1.Delivering well-being information & signpost in each locality 2.Co-ordinating access to a wide range of practical support services, and developing such services to meet identified gaps 3.Providing outreach support & volunteers

4. Supporting a network of agencies to provide a 'first contact' assessment and follow up 5. Updating and improving a well-being information database 6. The County’s Trading Standards Department have developed a Safe Trader Scheme where traders have been checked by disclosure Scotland. Help Direct staff are responsible for assisting customers access this scheme. Key elements to Help Direct

Wellbeing Directory Self directed support Interactive & searchable database Website….

The Wellbeing Directory A comprehensive, up-to-date Internet based system, of local and national service providers, support groups, agencies and other organisations that can contribute to health and wellbeing. In place to support Help Direct agencies to better sign-post and enable people to connect with what is happening in their communities. Being constantly updated, and populated, by Help Direct staff Lancashire County Council intended to provide public access to the directory, coupled to a simple self-assessment to identify needs, this is ongoing.

Customer Response System Efficiently record and track each individual referral Tracking of individual referrals through to outcomes Build up a record of an individual’s needs so that information and support can be targeted more effectively All information is stored with the consent of the service user and complies with all Data Protection regulations Allows us to map and record gaps in service provision and report to Lancashire County Council

From handy person to Home Improvement Agency Trading Standards approved Basic criminal record check Feedback Facility EG Plumbers, Electricians etc Safe Trader Scheme

Small Sparks What is it? Local initiative offered by Help Direct and funded by Lancashire County Council It is a small amount of funding which can be used to kick start, inject life or enhance community based services or activity which can show a clear positive difference to adults (18 plus) within their local community How much money can be applied for? Small Sparks will provide funding from £50 up to £500 for activities or services that will support local people and communities

To apply for Small Sparks the activity must: benefit adults over the age of 18 within Central Lancashire meet local needs make a positive difference to local people Types of activities Small Sparks may fund are: Resources to help set up a local befriending service A new regular exercise activity A local volunteer scheme Small Sparks would not fund: Equipment for an individual’s personal needs Ongoing utility bills Activities/services that are aimed at people under the age of 18 Items that have already been purchased or ordered

How do people apply for a Small Sparks grant? To apply for a Small Sparks grant a paper or electronic application form needs to be completed, and filled out by the individual/group applying for the grant. Small Sparks forms and application packs are available in a hard or electronic copy from the Help Direct Small Sparks administrator For Lancaster, call – Fiona Robinson For Fylde and Wyre, call – Kriss Wilson

How to refer? Telephone Via Website

What information you need… Name, address and contact telephone number of the person you are referring A brief outline why you are referring them to Help Direct Your contact details including full name,post code and if available, especially if contacting us out of hours

Many Thanks