NHS England has committed to supporting people experiencing mental health problems to live well within their communities, so that each person can maximise their individual skills, and make the most of the resources available to them. It is recognised that people need opportunities to connect with meaningful, community-based activities to stay healthy and improve their quality of life. 

NHS England committed to recruit and train Community Connectors within a Transformation Programme in 2020/21.  Here in Newham, the Community Connectors are part of the Primary Care Network (PCN), which is structured into a North and a South team.  Within these teams, the mental health and social care professionals come together in a multi-disciplinary setting to swiftly respond to the needs of people requiring intervention and support. 

We are six Community Connectors in total. Our aim is to empower individuals who are struggling with their mental health to make positive changes in their lives by supporting them identifying their own personal goals. We aspire to reduce social isolation and loneliness; increasing resilience and independence. 

Our work is based on the Person-Centred Approach where the client’s overall wellbeing is at the heart of what we do. We intend to bridge the gap between the GP to the service user by acting as a link, signposting them to suitable community services. 

The two Aston Mansfield Community Connectors who have joined Newham PCN are Eliana Cardoso and Moses Barasa.

Contact us for general enquiries on: Community.Connectors@Aston-Mansfield.org.uk 

See your GP to discuss your needs and whether a referral into the PCN is required. 

Alternatively: You can visit Newham Talking Therapies online: https://www.newhamtalkingtherapies.nhs.uk/ or call: 020 8536 2450 (020 8475 8080) for a range of community psychological support. 

If you feel your mental health is deteriorating or you are in distress and need to contact a qualified professional out of hours, call Newham 24 hours Mental Health Crisis Line on Freephone 0800 073 0066.

Find out more about Community Connectors in this video: