People Like Us (PLUS)

Joint Statement from ONSIDE, Worcestershire County Council and the Integrated Care Board.

We regret to inform you that the contract for the PLUS (People Like Us) service is coming to an end and therefore the service will close on 31 March 2024. The service having been in operation for four years has reached the end of its contract period. It has supported hundreds of people to improve their connections throughout this time and contributed to tackle loneliness and isolation throughout Worcestershire. The Public Health team at Worcestershire County Council and NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB, and Onside Advocacy and its sub-contractors are working together closely to make sure current service users are supported.

If you’re currently receiving support, this will continue as planned in line with your goals.

Tackling loneliness and isolation continues to be a priority for the County and work continues to address this. Together, we are capturing learning from the PLUS service and are identifying ways to integrate support for lonely and/or isolated people of all ages, across the county.

The existing service, aligned with the original model of delivery of up to six months support, will continue to accept referrals up to the end of November 2023. However, a light touch service will be available for referral until 15th January 2024.This may include limited one to one support, group and drop in options along with matching up with volunteers.

Onside Advocacy, Worcestershire County Council and the Integrated Care Board would like to thank everyone who has used, supported and contributed to the service including the hundreds of volunteers who have worked to increase connections for those in need. 

There are a number of existing local groups and activities to support anyone feeling lonely or isolated. Please visit the loneliness and isolation page of Worcestershire County Council’s website for more information.

Combatting Loneliness and Isolation in Worcestershire

People Like Us (PLUS) is a service that works across Worcestershire to provide a light touch support to adults aged 18 and upwards .

Loneliness and isolation are widespread and not something that just affects older people. The pandemic has exacerbated an existing problem and we know that loneliness and isolation can have a serious impact on people’s physical and mental health and quality of life.

PLUS enables people to connect with a trained PLUS volunteer who will give one to one support and encouragement in order for them to feel happier and become more active and engaged in their communities.  

The service is delivered by Onside with their two delivery partners Worcester Community Trust and Simply Limitless. 

For more information about our light touch support please get in touch in the following ways:

1. By phone to the Onside Access Hub team on 01905 27525, Monday – Thursday 9am to 5pm, Friday 9am to 4.30pm. 

Or

2. By completing one of the simple referral forms in the links below, which you email to us at: accesshub@onside-advocacy.org.uk

• Self Referral Form Link - to be used if you are referring yourself or a friend/relative/associate
• Professional Referral Form Link - to be used if you are a professional working with a service user and have their permission to make a referral to Plus