Walsall Connected Annual Report - Year Four - Case study: Brownhills Community Association

Digital support accessing Council services

Background

A resident visited the centre seeking support, although they were unsure what type of help they needed at the time.

Identifying needs

The resident was already known to the centre and would occasionally visit to speak with staff. They shared that they were experiencing challenges with their mental health and alcohol use and, on this occasion, said they were looking for positive activities to help manage overthinking and difficult memories.

Support provided

Staff recognised that the resident had previously accessed support from a range of services in Walsall. Time was spent talking through the support they had received before and identifying whether they wanted the centre to help reconnect them with any services.

With the resident’s consent, staff completed an adult safeguarding referral and contacted the services from which the resident requested support.

Over the following week, the centre helped facilitate communication between the resident and relevant services, including telephone calls and emails, so they could access appropriate specialist support.

Outcomes

The resident responded positively to the support provided and agreed for the centre to contact relevant services on their behalf. The resident continues to experience complex personal challenges and is known to a number of support services across Walsall.

Conclusion

This case highlights the important role community centres play as trusted, accessible places where residents feel able to ask for help. While the centre does not provide specialist support, staff were able to listen, provide reassurance and connect the resident with the appropriate services when needed.