A NEW service launching in Tameside will help residents find support, activities and community groups that match their needs and interests.
The Live Well Community Navigation Service will introduce Community Navigators who will work with people to help them access support available in their own communities.
Funded by Tameside Council and delivered by Action Together in Tameside, the three-year service is expected to launch later this year, with the option to extend if successful.
Community Navigation is designed to help people who may not know where to turn for support, connecting them with local opportunities that could improve their health and wellbeing.
This could include peer support groups, social activities, creative projects, physical activities or other community-based services tailored around what matters to each individual.
The service aims to put residents at the centre of decisions, with Community Navigators helping people identify what support would make a difference and guiding them towards the right organisations.
It will also invest in Tameside’s voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector, helping strengthen the network of support available across the borough’s nine towns.
The service forms part of wider plans around improving health and wellbeing in Tameside, supporting the borough’s Live Well vision.
Cllr Mike Smith, Tameside Council’s First Deputy and Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing, said: “We have such an incredible community offer across our nine towns, but some people might not be aware or feel confident exploring what’s in their local area.
“As we reimagine what it looks like to Live Well in Tameside, this service is set to lead the way and transform the way residents connect with their community. Ultimately, supporting people to live healthy and active lives, by linking them with tailored support focused on the things that matter to them.”
Anna Hynes, Tameside Director for Action Together CIO, said: “All our lives can be complicated. Sometimes we just don’t know where to start and need some support to improve things. Action Together in Tameside will work with a range of partners to get people to the right support for them.
“Community Navigation will work alongside people to identify and find community support that works best for them, building connections, interests and finding practical help so we can all Live Well. We will share more information ahead of the launch later this year.”