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.
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:
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