The Community Connectors team offers short-term support to increase independence and confidence for individuals to access groups and social activities. They support people to link in with their local communities, helping to reduce levels of social isolation and loneliness.
To reach as many people as possible, the Community Connectors can call on a team of Community Champion volunteers who work alongside individuals on a short-term basis to help increase their confidence in attending groups/activities while enabling and encouraging them to make their own connections.
Meet the Team
Community Connectors work in specific areas of Sefton and are supported by a team of Community Champion Volunteers in each area.
Louise Heritage
Covering North Sefton (PR8 and PR9)
Based at Southport Community Centre.
T: 07860 848344 E: louise.heritage@seftoncvs.org.uk
Amy McMillan
Covering South and Central Sefton
Based at Our Waterloo Office.
T: 07860 845366 E: amy.mcmillan@seftoncvs.org.uk
How to Make a Referral
We take referrals from anywhere – whether this is a professional organisation, GP or friend. People can also refer themselves. For more details on the Community Connectors or to make a referral please complete the contact form below.
Referrals can be made using Living Well Sefton’s online referral form, which can be found on their website .
Alternatively, please contact the team for a referral form if this is not possible on 0300 323 0181
What We Do
We have a chat to find out what the person would like to do, what their skills are and any interests which reflect the person’s needs. For example, this could mean:
– Helping an individual to find out what activities or groups are available in their local area which might interest them
– Accompanying to a social activity or group to ease any fears of going somewhere for the first time on their own
– Being the welcoming friendly face at a group or organisation, to meet and greet new people, and introduce them to rest of the group and help them to settle in
– Signposting to services in Sefton that can provide long term 1:1 support or befriending services
Please note we are not social workers, support workers, nor health, medical or clinical professionals.
HAVE YOU SEEN OUR NEW HAPPY TO CHAT BENCHES IN NORTH SEFTON?
You can find them located here at some local venues that offer activities to make further social connections:
Brighter Living Partnership, Southport Community Centre, Norwood Road, Southport PR8 6HQ 01704 517810
Compassion Acts, Victoria Centre, 197A Sussex Road, Southport PR8 6DG 01704 264505
Ainsdale Lunch & Leisure, Liverpool Rd, Southport PR8 3NQ 01704 574838
Woodvale Community Centre, Meadow Lane, Southport PR8 3RS 01704 573084
Cornerstone Methodist Church, 1 Marshside Rd, Southport PR9 9TL 01704 227296
Liverpool Road Methodist Church, Liverpool Rd, Southport PR8 4PD 01704 562697