Globally and across the UK, people struggle to access the support, resources, and opportunities that could improve their health and wellbeing—often simply because they are unaware of what’s available. How can this gap be bridged? One powerful solution is the Community Connector.
"It's about democratising information giving, so everyone can do it."
Jenny Hartnoll, a leading voice in community development, social prescribing, and health coaching, has spent nearly 40 years championing this approach. She played a pivotal role in establishing one of the first GP-based social prescribing and community development services at Frome Medical Practice, now a cornerstone of the renowned Frome Model. Launched in 2013 in partnership with Health Connections Mendip, this model is rooted in the understanding that health is shaped by social factors. Recognising the transformative role of Community Connectors in addressing these challenges, the Innovation Network invited Jenny to share her insights in an Expert Tutorial this January.
The Conversation
Attended by 24 Innovation Network members, the discussion highlighted Community Connectors as a crucial bridge between people and local support services. These individuals, from any background, are trained in simple, accessible ways to share information about available resources, whether as general connectors, topic-specific guides, or representatives of organisations. By highlighting The Community Connector Toolkit, Jenny outlined that these individuals have the potential to ensure that vital support reaches those who might otherwise be unaware. By meeting people where they are, both physically and socially, Community Connectors could help those who might hesitate to engage with traditional healthcare due to factors like language, stigma, or lack of awareness.
Other Key Themes:
Grassroots Health and Wellbeing: Community-led initiatives play a crucial role in promoting health and tackling inequalities, especially in diverse and underserved areas. Jenny highlighted the power of grassroots action in driving meaningful change.
Flexibility and Cultural Sensitivity: Adapting programs to suit different communities is essential for engagement. Jenny emphasised how a flexible approach helps reach groups that may be hesitant to interact with traditional health services.
Integrating with Health Services: Community Connectors can compliment social prescribing by supporting link workers, taking on simpler signposting tasks, and helping to ease their workload while enhancing community support.
Key Takeaways
Bridging the Gap: Community Connectors act as human "Yellow Pages", helping people navigate local services and break through the "brick wall" of unawareness that often prevents access to support. Their flexibility—open to anyone from students to shopkeepers—makes them a powerful tool for community engagement.
Practical, Adaptable Training: Community Connector training focuses on real-world application through role-playing and simple messaging. Jenny highlighted creative approaches, such as students training parents to overcome language barriers, ensuring the training is accessible and effective for diverse groups.
Transformative Impact: Community Connectors can have a profound influence on individuals and entire communities. Jenny shared success stories, including one where someone moved to Frome specifically for its strong connector network, demonstrating the real-world benefits of this model.
"It's using human beings to pass on that information, like communities always have done."
What's Next?
To build on the success of Community Connector programs, Jenny outlined several key actions should be taken.
Expand and Integrate Programs: To grow Community Connector initiatives, we must collaborate with local health providers and community groups to adapt programs for diverse populations. This includes identifying gaps and integrating the initiatives within existing social prescribing and community health services.
Evaluate and Demonstrate Impact: We need to implement robust evaluation methods, including pre- and post-training assessments and ongoing feedback, to collect data that will help secure funding and support. Additionally, using case studies and reports will strengthen the case for the program’s long-term success.
Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: A key theme from the conversation was the need for integration, flexibility, and collaboration to adapt the Community Connector model to different localities. Through platforms like the Innovation Network, we can share insights on what has worked, what hasn’t, and how Community Connectors (or similar initiatives) have been applied in various settings. By facilitating peer learning, you can foster best practice exchange and cross-sector partnerships, strengthening the integration of these models within social prescribing and community health services.
We'd love to hear your thoughts
Interested in accessing the toolkit? NASP hosts it on their website—click here to explore this invaluable tool of connection!
How could the Community Connector model enhance your social prescribing delivery? Let us know below!