Council shortlisted for national award

The authority’s entry – Delivering Community Led Support through Community Hubs – has been shortlisted in the Health and Social Care category of the LGC Awards 2023.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London in June.

In developing its model of Community Led Support, the Council has worked with a range of partners.

Director of Adult and Community Based Services Jill Harrison said: “During Covid lockdowns, Community Hub Central became the Support Hub for Hartlepool and provided invaluable help to local residents in a range of ways.

“What we learned during this time has helped us to shape our model of Community Led Support.

“The “front door” to adult social care is now provided through the Community Hubs alongside welfare and benefits advice, carer support, mental health support, the Fab Lab which enables people to try out new technologies and develop new skills, and a library offer that has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community.

“The Bread and Butter Thing, a charity, provides access to affordable food, complementing the community kitchen and chatty café, and a wide range of activities is provided free of charge to engage people of all ages.

“The Community Hubs also provide support to people with long-term conditions and are home to the Council’s Jobs and Skills Service which supports adults to access education, training and employment.

“A Virtual Hub (All Together Now) has been developed and this - along with bespoke support for people who are digitally excluded – allows people who are unable to access building-based activities to participate in a range of opportunities that reduce social isolation and support health and wellbeing.

“This demonstrates how Community Led Support continues to go from strength-to-strength and I am delighted that what we have achieved in Hartlepool to date has been recognised with a shortlisting in the LGC Awards 2023.”