Proposed changes to wellbeing services in the community

KCC are running a consultation on proposed changes to Wellbeing Services in the Community and Community Navigation which are funded by the Adult Social Care and Health Directorate and delivered by Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations. We invite you to review our proposals and tell us what you think, please also share this with people who draw on care and support and anyone who may like to share their views.

The Wellbeing Services in the Community and Community Navigation within this consultation help people to take a proactive approach to their health and wellbeing, increase independence, and prevent, reduce or delay the need for additional care and support services. These services are part of KCC’s broader efforts to prevent, reduce and delay the need for care and support.

The contracts for the services in this proposal commenced in 2019 and 2020 and reflect an earlier approach to prevention. Since the initiation of these contracts, significant developments have occurred, prompting a strategic review on how prevention services are delivered. The proposal aims to:

• remove elements of duplication within the prevention approach and provision.

• ensure prevention services are more efficient, targeted and making best use of limited resources.

• focus on people with the greatest need.

• contribute towards savings that deliver a balanced budget for KCC.

The proposed changes are to:

• reduce the level of funding for Wellbeing Services in the Community and redesign the way they are provided, incorporating some elements of Community Navigation.

• stop funding the Community Navigation services.

• stop funding the ‘Innovation Fund’ in the Mental Health Community and Wellbeing Service, which is used for testing new approaches.