The Community Connector Scheme supports people to connect with:
- social activities, clubs and groups and like-minded individuals in their community
- the right advice and information for their local situation
- support to get more active and live a more healthy lifestyle
The Scheme does this by offering a private face to face discussion with a “Community Connector” to explore what matters to you … and not ‘what is the matter with you?’
The Suffolk Family Carers bus, which the community connector uses as a mobile office, has become a regular feature in the area, with people looking out for the bus in order to pop on board and say hello or ask for advice.
A case study….
The Beginning – setting the scene
- Married woman in her 50’s
- Recent career change, now working alone
- Spending a lot of time alone with no real social activities
- Not spending any quality time with husband, relationship strained, with reduced communication
The Middle – Community Connector intervention
- Goals set to get involved in local community groups and to find volunteering opportunities
- Goal set to find activities to do with husband that both will enjoy
- Goal set to rearrange working diary to allow some ‘me time’ mid-week
The End – the difference
- Starting volunteering at the Hope café in the village. This will lead to other opportunities – now feels more connected
- Had discussion with husband about her feelings, which has led to activity planning with him and time set on the calendar to spend together – improved relationship
- Feeling more energised and has a renewed enthusiasm for crafting hobbies
- Feeling much brighter and positive, has a renewed direction in life
‘Community Connectors has been such a lifeline with help and support, pointing me in the right direction. Thank you’
If you live on the Shotley peninsular and feel that the Community Connector scheme might be useful to you, please call 01473 835445 to find out where we will be, or to book an appointment.
