The Action Portsmouth Signposting Service has been working in Portsmouth for the past 3 years.
We received over 450 referrals from GPs. Our Signposting team provided information to Portsmouth residents on all sorts of services – some traditional, and some less traditional. This included arts groups, debt counselling, gardening clubs, luncheon clubs, housing advice, volunteering activities, dance groups and shopping services, all of which can improve health and wellbeing. We have stopped taking referrals now, and are now in the process of closing the service.
This is the story of one of the people that we have worked with during this time…
A 57 year old partially sighted veteran, whose social isolation had affected his mental health, was referred to the Service. He needed some help to fill in a war pension form, was feeling lonely and having some financial difficulties. We signposted him to Veterans Outreach Support (VOS) who were able to facilitate a meeting with SSAFA to get the form filled in. They were also able to signpost him to other veterans agencies who were able to assist him. Age UK and Salvation Army were able to help with a food voucher/food parcels to get through a tight financial spot. We also signposted him to Connect (Thursday) at Paulsgrove Baptist Church which he attended, enjoyed and may go again.
Mr W, Paulsgrove
Here is what he had to say about one of our signposters:
Thank you Mr W. We’re happy to have helped. It’s been a pleasure!
