Sustaining independence and reducing the need for formal support
Prevention is about helping people stay healthy, happy and independent for as long as possible. It is a key part of our services for adults, and embraces the use of digital technology. There are three strands to the strategy – Prevent, Reduce, Delay.
Prevent illness, loneliness and isolation to keep people physically and mentally well
Primary prevention:
- the provision of Information and Advice
- promotion of healthy and active lifestyles
- reducing isolation and loneliness
There are a range of informal services and facilities available from the:
- voluntary
- community, and
- social enterprise sector
These are designed to support independent living, socialisation and physical activity.
Reduce need for treatment and care, through early detection and screening
Secondary prevention:
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Services which aim to reduce the need or reliance on long term care and support provision. These are targeted to people who are at risk of developing needs. The right blend of support can slow the development of needs or stop others from occurring.
Delay the need for care by supporting people to be independent for longer
Tertiary prevention:
- To improve people’s ability to function
- To improve quality of life
- To improve life expectancy
where health conditions or limitations on someone’s wellbeing or independence are established. Services minimise the effects of those conditions or limitations. They support recovery to independence to the extent possible.
How Primary Prevention works
There are a number of key partners we are working with on our primary prevention service, and covering different aspects.
Getting out and getting involved
The Community Gateway is a helpline available for everyone. It provides access to a wide range of professional voluntary sector support and services. It aims to prevent hospital admissions, reduce social isolation, and improve wellbeing. It will also connect people to:
- mental health support
- community activities, and
- wider winter support including hot food and warm spaces
- Email: gateway@ageukcornwall.org.uk or welcome@kernowgateway.org.uk
- Tel 01872 266383
Community hubs are central points that provide support and contact for their communities. They are places where people can come together. They are coordinated by Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum and NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. They are operated by voluntary sector partners. The hub network offers safe and warm places for people to socialise and take part in activities.
Find out more, and use a map to find your local hub
Inclusion Matters is a partnership between:
- Cornwall Rural Community Charity
- Age UK
- Disability Cornwall
- Inclusion Cornwall, and
- the Digital Inclusion Team
This service helps individuals make:
- inclusion plans
- connect with local groups and activities
- find volunteers for support, and
- plan post-hospital support
This service is access through the Community Gateway above.
- Email: inclusion@cornwallcrcc.org.uk
- Tel: 01872 266383
Cornwall Link is a free community platform. It connects people with local support services, events, and volunteer opportunities.
A strong focus across Cornwall on addressing fuel poverty. The Winter Wellbeing Programme has helped over 700 households to upgrade their homes. This programme uses funding from the Sustainable Warmth Fund, LA Flex, and Warm Home Funds, and is part of the Public Health service.
Support for Carers
Carers Support Service
A Carer is someone, who provides unpaid care and support to a friend or family member, who is unable to manage without help due to:
- an illness
- a disability, or
- a condition affecting their physical or mental well-being.
If you are a carer, the Carers Support Service can help you find support, create an emergency plan, and stay well. You can find out more about carers support services on our website and at the Carers Support Service.
- Tel: 01736 756655