To celebrate International Social Prescribing Day, we are proud to announce the launch of Connected Kingston.
Connected Kingston is the whole system model of social prescribing for Kingston upon Thames. The model has been co-designed and co-produced with over 40 local organisations involving well over a hundred people.
The journey started in October 2017 and has brought together a wide range of statutory and voluntary organisations to help connect the residents of Kingston Borough to help and support in their local communities that will improve their health and wellbeing.
Our partners include Public Health, Kingston Clinical Commissioning Team, RBK local authority teams including the library services, housing and adult education, all GP practices; voluntary and community groups and frontline staff. And of course the amazing Ayup Digital design team who have created the digital platform.
Connected Kingston has three key elements.
1) Connected Kingston Digital Tool - listing local provider services/ activities and a referral system
Connected Kingston, is a new digital tool where Kingston residents can find local services to help them feel more involved in their community, meet new people and make some changes to improve their health and wellbeing.
There are a wide range of provider services on Connected Kingston including social and leisure activities, self-help groups, lunch clubs, practical and emotional support and more. There is sure to be something that will be useful or of interest, to everyone.
As well as finding information about local services, residents, healthcare professionals, council staff, emergency services, voluntary and community groups and any frontline staff and volunteers ‘refer’ individuals to appropriate local services using the online system.
Having made a referral to a service, this service will follow up contact with a resident to discuss how they can get involved.
2) Connected Kingston Champions Network
Whilst residents are able to search the site and refer themselves, the Connected Kingston programme is also training local champions from statutory, public health and community groups to support people to use the system. And to engage them in healthy conversations to make practical and positive changes to their lives.
Our champions are based in places such as libraries, leisure centres, pharmacies, housing services, community centres, GP surgeries, voluntary and community locations and organisations.
Connected Kingston Champions can also support a resident by referring them to local support services using the Connected Kingston online tool.
3) The New Community Connector Service
If someone has multiple and complex needs; our trained Connected Kingston champions can refer them to the new single point of access Community Connector service.
This specialist service offers on-going support over a period of up to six sessions.
Need More information?
For more information about the Connected Kingston programme please email Julie Bristow on info@connectedkingston.uk