What is the First Contact Signposting Scheme?
The First Contact Signposting Scheme helps to provide information for people aged 60 and over, about services that they may need to stay safe and independent in their own home. We coordinate this scheme for the south of the county – Rushcliffe, Broxtowe and Gedling.
How does it work?
The scheme operates through a simple checklist which can be completed by front line workers. There is also a self-referral checklist which can be downloaded below. The checklist is sent to the County Council’s Customer Service Centre which then generates referrals to a range of different services, for example:
- Assistance to claim benefits that they may be entitled to
- Falls assessments and advice on falls prevention
- Home safety and security advice
- Repairs, adaptations and specialist equipment for homes
- Energy saving improvements to help them keep warm and reduce energy bills
- Housing advice
- Information on activities and groups in their local community
- Information on community transport schemes.
Case study
Mrs G of Ruddington, aged 84, was visited at home by a Nurse from Ruddington Health Centre, and a checklist was completed.
As a result of this, Mrs G was visited by Notts Fire & Rescue who completed a Home Safety Check and fitted 2 smoke alarms with 10 year batteries. She also received a visit from the Falls Team who put her in touch with the Visual Impairment Term who provided her with some very useful equipment and who she feels will be an excellent contact in the future if her sight deteriorates.
Through the Pension Service intervention, she was delighted to received attendance allowance, which was also backdated.
GNHH gave her information about loft insulation which she may follow up in the future. Transport information provided by RVTS will also be something that she will find very useful and something that she may utilise in the future.
A visit from her local PCSO helped her to reassure her about her home security
Mrs G said that the scheme is “Unbelievable! I never would have thought about contacting these agencies for help – I didn’t think I would get anything. I now feel so much safer in my own home and feel really sure that I can remain independent”
How to get help from First Contact
If you know someone who wants to complete a checklist then please get them to telephone Nottinghamshire County Council Customer Service Centre on 08449 808080 or access it online at http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/firstcontact
If you or your organisation would like to know more about how the scheme works, or would like someone to give a talk on the scheme then contact Karl Stirland or Jessica Molineaux on 0115 9699060 ext 105 or email
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