Connected local support needs more than a directory.
Research and guidance help explain why relationships, accessible information and supported referrals matter.
What the evidence says
Trussell’s Living Costs in Context series describes hardship shaped by income, housing and access to local support. Its crisis support report discusses trusted connected services, accessible routes and a “no wrong door” approach. Trussell and Policy in Practice also recommend cash-first support linked to advice and wider support. Better coordination is one part of the response; it cannot substitute for sufficient incomes and adequately resourced services.
Living Costs in Context (Trussell, series page dated 25 June 2026) · Resetting local crisis support in England (Trussell and Policy in Practice, 2 December 2025)
What current CRF guidance asks authorities to consider
DWP’s Crisis and Resilience Fund guidance for authorities in England (published 1 April 2026; checked 27 September 2026) describes a “no wrong door” approach, warm referrals with informed consent, referral pathways, and Community Coordination to connect local support. It calls for understanding existing provision and gaps. The guidance addresses authorities and their delivery partners; it does not endorse this Network.
Our practical focus is to help organisations maintain useful service information, build local relationships, make supported referrals where agreed, and share resources. Help Is Near offers a public route for finding local support; service listings need active upkeep and digital access alone will not reach everyone.
Read the DWP guidance (objectives, paragraphs 88–93 and 111–117)
These sources explain the wider operating context. We do not claim the Network or software fulfils CRF reporting requirements.