Stories, reflection and learning from the NTW partnership
Service transformation
Outcome: People with multiple and complex needs will get the help they need by having access to more responsive specialist services. The services provided by local organisations will be transformed by recognising and valuing the benefit of working with communities.
In a competitive funding environment both statutory and voluntary sector services need to find ways to better engage with the communities they serve and find different ways to deliver those service in ways which build resilience thus reducing long-term dependency. NTW's place-based approach meant that connectors from different organisations were co-located with the express intention of working in more collaborative ways. Barriers to services were broken through the work of connectors.
NTW established a single point of contact into services for people with complex life circumstances through Life Connectors and MultiDisciplinary Workers. Gaps in services and blocks to access were identified by Service Connector and the Transformation Lead applied this learning at a strategic level.
I went to DIAL for some help as I had bailiffs knocking on my door and I saw Jude (Multidisciplinary Worker). Jude was really nice and spoke to the bailiffs for me and helped me make an arrangement with them. I then also told her about a notice seeking possession of my house. Jude helped me fill in all the forms to get this suspended, which it was. During this time Jude told me about Life Connectors and how they could help me get involved with things in the community and to help me get to appointments. I am still working with Jude and she is helping with my financial problems as well as introducing me to people that can help me get out and about more.
local resident
| Output indicator | Achieved | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Local employers will report being more engaged and involved with their local community | 135 | 100 |
| Commissioners and grant making bodies aligning resources to the project | 18 | 10 |
| Service providers will report that the project has improved their reach to people most vulnerable | 79 | 50 |
| Maintaining first time involvement in community activity/employment | 221 | 200 |
| People experience smooth, seamless introductions into services from a single contact point | 1316 | 800 |
| People supported to overcome at least one personal challenge | 403 | 400 |
| Specialist services report decrease duplication | 25 | 15 |
| People reporting improved well-being from having issues addressed | 636 | 400 |
| Beneficiaries receiving first step support via community-based groups/networks | 2003 | 2000 |
Doris' story
I met Sean and was able to turn my life around; I want my story to give others hope
Doris had experienced two family bereavements and a relationship breakdown. Her support networks had been eroded and she found herself homeless, suffering from depression and dependent on alcohol. As she didn't have an address Doris couldn't claim benefits, so she had no money at all. She was feeling pretty desperate and she didn't know where to turn, but Doris had heard about the Swap Stop at the Middlegate Hut, so she went along. She fell into conversation with one of the volunteers there and someone else made her a cup of tea. After a while, Life Connector Sean came along and someone introduced him to Doris; she says this was the turning point in her life.
Sean started to work with Doris as she rebuilt her life. Within a few weeks they had found Doris a place to live and she had applied for Universal Credit. Sean introduced Doris to Marius at DIAL and they began to manage her debts. Doris continued going along to the Swap Stop and it helped her furnish her new home.
Sean introduced Doris to Training Connector Tim. Together they went to F1 Training, where Doris started working towards qualifications that will enable her to apply for work. She also regularly attends community events such as Neighbourhood Lunches and has become part of the Swap Stop volunteer team, where she can contribute ideas from her previous experience working in a charity shop. Having gained some stability in her life Sean has introduced Doris to Skills Connector Daniel and they plan to make a start on writing her CV.
Doris now has new support networks, she says 'everyone is working together with me'. Initially this was the Neighbourhoods That Work team, but now the Swap Stop regulars have become her friends, whilst the people who work and volunteer at Comeunity are still always there if she needs something. Nowadays Doris likes to support other people who are living through tough times, with a kind word or deed, or by introducing them to someone who she knows can help.
Doris enjoys helping others and wants to find work in one of the caring professions. She has lived through some difficult times and wants to use her experiences in a positive way. She says 'if I can help one person get back to where they belong it will be worth the struggle'.
