Your organisation can’t do everything. Local connections can do more.
The Network connects local community organisations, so the people you support can get help beyond what any one service provides.
Make warm referrals when someone needs more than you offer. Share spare resources and find what you need from members nearby. Act on the problems you all see.
Looking for support for yourself or someone else? You don’t need to join. Find local services with Help Is Near
A family needs a cot.
The worker supporting them doesn’t need to ring around every organisation they know. They can search resources that Network members have made available, find a cot another member has listed and request it.
Need → search → request → support.
That is the everyday, practical collaboration the Network exists to make easier.
See what else members do together →Look across stock and resources that other Network members have made available.
See that another organisation has the cot the family needs.
Ask for it directly through the network — without ringing around.
Three ways the Network helps your organisation.
Make warm referrals
When someone needs more than you provide, hand them on properly, not with just another phone number. Agree the next step with them and share only what the receiving service needs to make contact.
How warm referrals work →Share resources
List the stock and equipment you can spare, and search what other members have made available, from household items to donated technology.
Sharing across the Network →Tackle shared problems
Connect with organisations facing the same needs. Explore collaborative projects and funding, and help shape the support and technology built around members.
How the Network works →Digital inclusion across local communities.
LetsTechTogether provides digital inclusion support through drop-in sessions in multiple locations, working with many people across local communities.
Every part of the organisation is managed through CrisisConnect, from volunteers and safeguarding to events, PAT testing and device reuse. Through the Network, the team also refers people to other organisations for further support.
Read the LetsTechTogether story →
Support built around people
Local drop-ins. Digital inclusion. Community connections.
Explore the Network →No wrong door.
Every door can lead somewhere
Someone might first ask for help at a community centre, a food pantry or an advice service. When the organisations around them are connected, that first door can lead to the right support, even when their needs go beyond it.
Built on real capacity
“No wrong door” is the approach we are working towards together. It depends on participating services and their capacity, and it is not a promise that every request can be met.
Why we started the Network →Supporting the wider picture.
Help Is Near
A public website where people can find local services for themselves or someone they are helping. Member organisations gain another route for people to find them.
About Help Is Near →Councils, funders & partners
Partner with the Network around a place or shared priority. Network Intelligence uses anonymised, aggregated activity to help understand local provision and possible gaps.
Partnerships & Network Intelligence →Community-led in its direction.
We intend founders and leaders of participating community organisations to help shape the CIC’s governance. The arrangements are still being developed. Joining the Network does not require purchasing the software.
How the CIC and Ltd work →Bring your organisation into the Network.
Tell us what you do, who you support and where working with other organisations could make a difference.