Link Worker Scheme Our Link Worker Schemes exist to facilitate the engagement of clients with services which can maintain their long term well being. The link worker supports clients who have traditionally struggled to engage with support agencies to access services appropriately.
Link workers offer a consistent and non judgmental approach which is tailored to an individuals needs. We aim to engage clients in a relationship based on trust which helps to develop an understanding of the individual and a better idea of the appropriate services which may be used to support a client in the long term. We offer practical help and support with issues that may be problematic to clients for a variety of reasons.
Our clients are individuals who fall outside or between the gaps in mainstream service provision. Often they are described as having complex or multiple needs. They often have poorly defined or indistinct mental health problems and co-morbid substance misuse issues. They often have difficulty managing money, have a poor employment record and have been involved with the criminal justice system. Their difficulties mean that they struggle to engage with services on any meaningful level and often try to access support via inappropriate methods.
What services do we offer? - A holistic individualised needs assessment
- An accurate and current risk assessment
- Acting as an advocate
- Ensuring registration with a GP
- Referral for specialist assessment where indicated
- Monitoring of progress and reporting to relevant agencies
- Development of a supporting relationship based on trust
- Liaison with agencies to ensure effective communication
- Help and support to attend appointments
- Help to fill in forms
- Advice about appropriate behaviour
- Practical help to formulate a budget
- Advice and assistance to secure appropriate housing
- Convening case conferences
All client support is assessed on an individual basis. We may be involved in a one off piece of work with an individual, giving advice about how to get in touch with relevant agencies or we may be involved in the indefinite long term support of adults who present with more entrenched needs. We offer a no closure policy which means that clients can re-engage with us at a point in the future should they be struggling to cope later on.
We currently have Link Worker Schemes in Northampton and Milton Keynes in partnership with other organisations including Revolving Doors Agency and the NHS. Both projects aim to work directly with people in the area experiencing mental health issues, accommodation difficulties, substance misuse or offending and anti social behaviour. We enable vulnerable people with such multiple needs who do not often meet the entry criteria for statutory services, to negotiate points of transition in their lives helping to maintain a healthy future. People typically referred to the Link Worker Scheme are 18+ years old who have: - Ill defined or undiagnosed mental health difficulties
- Feelings of being depressed/withdrawn/confused
- Difficulty engaging with services
- Chaotic lifestyles and are generally finding life hard to cope with
- A history of self harm
- Feelings of anxiousness
- Complex/multiple needs e.g. drug use, housing, alcohol.
If you would like to find out more about the Link Worker Schemes please contact us here | 
