Section 3

Who can community signposting services help?

These services can signpost adults to access help if they are experiencing any of the following::

Feeling socially isolated & want to connect with others

Are facing practical challenges like housing, finances or transport

Need emotional support for their mental health

Want to improve their physical health through community activities

Have mild to moderate mental health problems but don’t need clinical treatment

Need help to find local services

People can still access other health & care services at the same time, such as community mental health teams.


Services & their operators

Our research has shown there are three different levels of signposting service intensity.

Low intensity

Medium intensity

High intensity

Each service intensity has a different structure, level of support & way of working with service users.

Understanding these models can help organisations provide services that match local community needs.

We outline these service models by explaining how they work & interact with other services & systems.


Who runs these services?

Services are provided with structural & funding support by a range of operating organisations:

Local Authortities

Community health services

Primary Care Services


Characteristics of different signposting service intensities

Signposting service intensities

Low-intensity service

Medium-intensity service

High-intensity service

Referral source
Self referral
Self referral or by a Health Care Professional
Health Care Professional
Duration of use by service user
Up to 12 weeks
As required to move on
Up to 12 weeks
Signposter role name
Connectors
Pathways Advisors
Social Prescribers
Additional service support
Volunteer 'Champions'
Volunteers
Community Mental Health Teams
Funder
Local Authority (Public Health Department
NHS Trust
Primary Care Network / Integrated Care Board
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