Finding the right support when you need it can make a big difference. There are many organisations and programmes in Cornwall which can support you with different needs.
In Cornwall, support is available to help before small issues become bigger ones. Different organisations work with you and offer support to:
- prevent problems
- reduce barriers during tough times
- and delay bigger challenges.
Whatever it is you need advice for, these organisations ensure people get the help they need when it matters most.
Commissioned Services / Wider Council Support
These are care and support services that the Council organises and helps pay for. This includes things like carers visiting people at home, equipment and technology, specialist housing, or day opportunities where you can meet others and join activities.
We work together with people who use these services to co-design what kind of support will work best for them, ensuring the services are of good quality, safe, and help people live well and remain as independent as possible.
If you’d like to learn more about your rights regarding social care or how we plan and support services, you can find more details on our Know your Rights page.
These quality-assured services have been checked to make sure they are safe, reliable, and helpful. They offer the right support for things like housing, money, care, health, and work.
The Community Gateway provides access to a wide range of support. The Gateway staff talk to people to understand what they need and set up the right support. It is an easy way to get help to:
- prevent hospital admission
- reduce feelings of loneliness
- find or stay in work
- locate Mental Health Support
- take part in Community Activities
- arrange delivery of hot meals or find somewhere you can have them
- learn about warm spaces
- and improve overall well-being
In addition, staff members in the community will be available to offer one to one and group support.
The Gateway is open 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year – including Christmas day.
Contact the Gateway:
- Tel: 01872 266383
- Email: welcome@kernowgateway.org.uk
Speak to the trained staff and find local support that’s right for you.
Community Directory
Cornwall Link is a free community platform. It unites people, groups and organisations in Cornwall with:
- local support
- events
- volunteer opportunities
AskSARA
If you’re not sure what support you need, AskSARA is an easy online tool that can help you figure it out. It asks simple questions about your daily tasks and health, then suggests equipment or services that might make things easier for you. Whether it's help around the house, getting out and about, or just staying independent, AskSARA gives you advice and ideas to improve your day-to-day life. It’s a quick and simple way to find the right support for you.
Advocacy Support
Sometimes people need help expressing their wishes or understanding information around health, care and support decisions.
Advocacy is having someone to help you with this.
Support for People Caring for a Loved One
Looking after someone can be both rewarding and challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. There is help for carers, including advice, financial support, and ways to take a break when you need it.
Day Opportunities
Want to meet new people, try new activities, or get extra support during the day? Day opportunities offer safe and welcoming spaces where you can socialise, learn new skills, and stay active.
Family Information Service
Our Family Information Service (FIS) provides information, advice and guidance on childcare, activities and services for children, young people and their families, as well as the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Local Offer
Healthy Cornwall
No matter what your age or ability, we can help you lead a happier, healthier lifestyle.
We're here to support you with:
- Weight Management
- Healthy Eating
- Physical Activity
- Stopping Smoking
- Healthy pregnancy
Find out how we can help you to have a healthier lifestyle.
Cornwall Community Hubs are local places where you can access a range of services and support to help you live well in your community. They bring together different support like advice, health support, activities, and social opportunities, making it easier for you to find the help you need in one place. Whether you need help with housing, employment, or just want to meet others, Cornwall’s Community Hubs are there to offer guidance and support.
Find more information about the Community Hubs and how to access them
Food Banks
Cornwall Food Bank helps you locate food banks across the county. This map provides details on where food banks are located, so you can easily find the nearest one to get support.
Access the Cornwall Food Bank Map
Helping Hands
If you're looking for further support from Cornwall Council departments, you can visit our Helping Hands pages. There, you'll find information on a range of council and community services to help with applying for a blue badge, housing, homelessness, home adaptations, money, health, how to get online, benefits and much more.
My Area
You can also use Cornwall Council’s ‘Where I Live’ tool to find local services and information based on your postcode. This tool can help you discover details about bin collections, council tax, local schools, planning applications, GP surgeries, and much more all specific to your area.
NHS Service finder
The NHS Service Finder is an online tool provided by the NHS (National Health Service) that helps people locate health services in their area. It allows you to search for a variety of services, such as:
- GPs (General Practitioners)
- Dentists
- Pharmacies
- Hospitals
- Walk-in Centres
- Mental health support
- Urgent care services
- Local clinics
You can search by your location, and the tool will give you contact details, addresses, and sometimes ratings or reviews of local services. It’s a great way to quickly find the right healthcare provider for your needs.
How else can I find out information about activities in my community?
Top tips to finding out about what you can get involved in:
- Look on websites, Facebook groups or Instagram for events
- Use platforms like Eventbrite or Cornwall link to discover local events, classes, and meet-ups happening nearby
- Subscribe to newsletters from local organisations
- Drop by your local community centre, leisure centre or library to find flyers or bulletin boards with information about local events and activities
- Speak to people where you live to learn about opportunities you may not have heard about
- Look at notice boards in local shops or cafes
- Get involved with community groups to stay informed and connect with others in your area
If you have more complex needs
If you have more more complex needs you can find out about care options available to you.