Prevention and Wellbeing team celebrate their second anniversary

The service is part of Adult Social Care and works alongside adults to prevent the need for formal support by building strong relationships with people to enable them to find their own solutions and flourish within their communities.

The team work with people who might have experienced anti-social behaviour, homelessness, bereavement, social isolation, low level mental health and difficulty connecting with community resources, or who need support but don't meet the criteria or threshold for formal support.
 
During their second year, the team of 14 staff, supported 355 people, with an average of 91 personal goals being achieved every month. Goals ranged from reducing social isolation, connecting with their community, low level mental health and gaining confidence to solve their own problems.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council said, The council's aim is to ensure the people of Wiltshire are empowered to live full, healthy and enriched lives. We recognise the value of this type of community based support in achieving this aim and created the Prevention and Wellbeing Team in November 2021.

The team fulfil an important role for the individuals that they support and are an important part of Wiltshire Council's Social Care offering. By addressing risk factors and promoting healthy behaviours the team has supported many individuals to overcome difficulties they may be facing and to make positive changes to their lives to enable them to lead happier, more fulfilling lives and experience improved overall well being.

Members of the Prevention and Wellbeing team have received lots of positive feedback from people that they have supported, including the following:

One lady that received support from the team said, I want to thank you for all that you are doing not only for me but also for others.  I think the service that is being provided is vital and valuable to people and will provide the first steps to a much fuller, social, interesting, and fulfilling life. 

It is very difficult when one is basically restricted with disabilities or health issues (or for many other reasons) to find what is available in the outside world. 

Being isolated for any reason may be very dark and lonely at times and it is so helpful to be given the opportunities that the Prevention and Wellbeing Services have provided.  The benefits of being given the opportunity to being accompanied and introduced on the first visit to venues is very important.  I feel this is especially important for anyone who has been isolated from social situations for a period.

Another said, Before getting support from you I felt really hopeless, but with what we have done over the past year I feel hope now and things are actually changing.

And another said, Thank you for keeping me alive. That sums it all up. I know the works she's done with me has kept me going. Now I feel I want to make the most of the support she offers. Thank you.

Your help is just amazing. I believe if it wasn't for you, I would not be here anymore but crumble under pressure. Your support to me has been truly life changing and I am sure others feel the same way you are helping. I am writing this in tears of emotions. I believe sometimes in life you come across some angels and you are truly one for me!.

To find out more about the Prevention and Wellbeing Team visit the Your care Your Support Wiltshire council website Your care, your support: Prevention and Wellbeing Team (opens new window).

To contact the prevention and Wellbeing Team email adviceandcontact@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window), telephone 0300 456 0111 or use the online referral form: Your care, your support: Referrals and forms (opens new window) Please mark FAO of the Prevention and Wellbeing team.