A new website which helps people find help, support and local services has just been launched.
The Kernow Directory has been developed by Cornwall Council and the Together We Can Forum who work with the council as people with lived experience, to make it easier for people to find help and support near to them that improves their life in some way.
It includes clear advice and guidance, that the Together We Can Forum helped develop through interactive sessions and discussions resulting in a website that is accessible and easy to navigate.
Co-chair of the Together We Can Forum, David Burns said:
“We’ve been involved since the early stages of development all the way through to the testing stage. We were asked our opinions on the layout of the site and how you can navigate through the site as well. We gave feedback on the pictures on the site and how it could be improved.”
Cornwall Council Cabinet Lead for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships, Cllr Jim McKenna said:
“Having information that is easy to access allows people more choice and control over their lives. They don’t have to wait for someone at the council, or a voluntary organisation to offer them help. At the touch of a button information is readily available that they can search for themselves and access in their own time.
“If the directory helps someone to learn about a club in their area which helps them to make connections and enrich their life this can have a long-lasting, positive effect on their life, as loneliness is known to have direct correlation with people’s physical health.”
There are three main directories available:
Care homes and home care – this includes nursing care
Community – including wider support organisations, voluntary services, activities and events
Products and services – items and services that support daily living like technology and house adaptations
People can search by postcode, service type or need. They can also save and share useful information using a ‘My Booklet’ feature, which allows you to save the services you’re interested in all-in-one place.
As well as supporting residents directly, it allows businesses and community organisations to list their services, offering greater visibility and a direct way to reach people who need support. Organisations can manage their own listings to keep information up to date.
For professionals they can work with residents to access reliable information which is easy to find, saving everyone time.
Cllr McKenna added:
“I’d like to invite organisations across Cornwall to join the directory and add their services. Residents and professionals are also encouraged to explore the site and see what support is available locally. We hope that the site will continue to grow as more information is added, opening up opportunities for both residents and organisations.”
Visit the Kernow Directory website to find out more.
Information on support that is more family focused can be found on Cornwall’s Family Information Service website.