SO:Linked

SO:Linked is a service for adults who live, or are registered with a GP, in Southampton and would like free help connecting with activities, groups and support in their local community.

There are two aspects of this new service:

Community Navigation – This is about helping people across the city to link up with local services, activities, groups and other people to contribute to health and wellbeing. Community Navigators from the partner agencies will work with people, helping them identify their needs and hopes and enabling them to overcome obstacles.

Community Development – Community Development Officers will work with community, voluntary and social enterprise groups, as well as individuals who are looking into starting new initiatives, resourcing them and helping them to develop and thrive.

The lead organisation is Southampton Voluntary Services and TWICS is delighted to be a partner in this new project which has been jointly commissioned by the CCG and SouthamptonCity Council.  Other partners are Solent Mind; The Alzheimers Society and Spectrum CIL who are delivering the Community Navigation strand whilst TWICS along with Solent Enterprise Link are leading on Community Development.

If you meet someone who would like to access services, try activities or join a group or you know a group that is interested in accessing support and resources from the team, please refer them or encourage them to self-refer.

Equally this is a brand-new service that is going to grow and develop in partnership with agencies and networks, organisations and individuals across the city. There will be lots of opportunities to get involved and participate in the shaping of the service, which will be advertised through SVS and partner agency networks. If you’d like to know more though, please let us know!

Referral criteria and how to refer

The Community Navigation service is for any adult (18+) living in the Southampton City council area or registered with a Southampton City council GP surgery. Referrals are welcomed from GPs, adult services, health and social care professionals, voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations and self-referrals.

The referral form is attached here SOLinked referral for external partners and can also be accessed on the GP EMIS/System 1 and through the SO:Linked website. These need to be returned to soccg.solinked@nhs.net

The Community Development provision is for any formal or informal community group, new or existing. Referrals can be made by completing the same form and returning it to the email address as above.

People can also refer themselves at one of our outreach events across the city. Details of these can be found on the attached outreach schedule.

SO:Linked Outreach Sessions

You can come and talk to one of our friendly community navigators and community development workers at one of our outreach sessions across the city.