Cornwall’s Community Gateway receives 5-year funding boost from NHS Integrated Care Board
18 April 2024
An award-winning partnership of more than 50 voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations providing community support to people in Cornwall, has received funding for a further five years.
The Community Gateway was launched in November 2022 to support people through a challenging winter, in response to the cost-of-living crisis and increased pressures across the health and care system in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The service provides a dedicated helpline available to everyone and is open 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year – including Christmas Day.
The unique partnership of more than 50 VCSE organisations, including Age UK Cornwall, Volunteer Cornwall, CHAOS Group, Pentreath and Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum (VSF), has received a funding boost from NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, to enable the service to continue for another five years.
The Community Gateway provides a ‘gateway to independence’, working with people to identify their needs and put appropriate packages of support in place.
Between November 2022 and October 2023, the Gateway received over 48,000 calls and emails and supported people to develop almost 7,000 personalised care and support plans. This infographic highlights the positive impact the Community Gateway has had across Cornwall.
The Gateway works with people to create personalised plans that prevent hospital admissions, reduce social isolation, and improve wellbeing. It also connects people to mental health support, community activities, and a wide range of support through a network of around 50 community hubs that provide a person-centred approach, nutritious food, and warm spaces.
This collaborative approach to how health and care services are provided in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly received the ‘Collaborative Working’ prize in the South West Integrated Personalised Care Awards 2023.
We are delighted to host the Community Gateway on behalf of our partners and colleagues. Our collective teams have worked tirelessly to support over 48,000 people in the first year of Gateway being open and the demand is increasing. This 5-year funding award will allow us to collectively increase our reach and develop our inclusive approach to providing a simple point of access for anyone wanting information, seeking support, and exploring what’s available in their local community or hub.
Age UK Cornwall
Community Gateway has played an incredible role in supporting our local residents to get the support they need to stay independent and in their own homes. I love to hear stories about the impact it has on people whether it be James who was helped with transport to appointments after a stroke, Margaret who had food shopping after a hospital stay or Bill who lost his wife and was introduced to his local community hub. This great collaborative work has been recognised with a regional award and I am delighted that we will continue funding it for a further 5 years
NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board
The Community Gateway is yet another great example of how much more the VCSE can do when we work collaboratively. Harnessing the skills and knowledge of a wide range of organisations to give the most holistic and personalised support to people in their communities, is something as a sector we are doing more and more. The ICB has recognised that funding a service for 5 years is a game-changer when it comes to the delivery of excellent services. We are working with them to ensure that over time, all VCSE contracts have this sustainability.
Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum (VSF)
Anyone can access the Community Gateway by telephone at 01872 266383 or via email at [email protected]