PAVO > For People > Community Connectors

What is the Community Connector Service?

The Service helps people in Powys (aged 18+) and their families or carers, to access community-level services and activities that will help them maintain independent lives and which help prevent their circumstances deteriorating to a point where they might need higher level health or social care services.

The service can also help support people when they return to home from hospital by helping other Third Sector services, such as Red Cross, identify additional local services that may be needed.

What does the Service do?

Coordinates 13 Locality Networks, building effective partnerships and working relationships with community groups, 3rd sector organisations and statutory services to have a clear understanding of local community strengths, resources, connections, identifying gaps and opportunities. The locality networks feeds information into the Community Support & Response Group in order to direct strategic planning and support.
Handles referrals or requests from organisations or individuals seeking to obtain support from local community and voluntary organisations for people who may be in need of services such as befriending, shopping, advocacy, home adaptation, community transport, or support with specific health related concerns such as Dementia.
Works with the individuals referred to it to identify their requirements and then supports them to access the community services or activities that they feel are right for them and seeks to provide this information on first contact with the individual using a "right first time" approach.
Participates in local GP surgeries; brokering access to Third Sector support for frail/elderly patients across the whole of Powys as part of the Powys Teaching Health Board's (PtHB) 'Virtual Wards' service model.
Works within the multi-disciplinary teams in community hospital settings, providing support and guidance for local teams on what services are available locally which may assist people in getting out of hospital more quickly.
Helps identify areas of unmet need or gaps in service provision; evidence which is then used to help inform the planning of public sector and Third Sector services

Where does the Service operate?

The Community Connector Health and Well-Being Coordination Service covers the whole of Powys.

Community Connectors and Localities

Community Area	Community Connector	Usual Office Base
Brecon	Mathew Bailey	Neuadd Brycheiniog - Brecon
Builth Wells & Llanwrtyd Wells	Lynda Rogers	Glan Irfon - Builth Wells
Crickhowell	Clare Sutton	Crickhowell GP Surgery
Knighton & Presteigne	Hayley Lloyd	Knighton Community Centre
Hay on Wye & Talgarth	Helen Quinlan	Bronllys Hospital & Hay GP Surgery
Llandrindod Wells & Rhayader	Ali Thomas	PAVO Offices - Llandrindod
Llanfyllin, Tanat, Cain & Vyrnwy Valleys	Bobbie Bowden	The Cross Keys
Newtown & Llanidloes	Claire Powell	PAVO Offices - Newtown
Newtown & Montgomery	Ceri Williams	PAVO Offices - Newtown
Welshpool, Llanfair Cereinion	Pauline Chapman-Young	PAVO Offices - Newtown
Machynlleth & Bro Ddyfi	Sioned Pritchard	Care Centre - Machynlleth
Ystradgynlais	Llian Cornish	Ystradgynlais Community Hospital
Powys - Lead Officer	Claire McNiffe	PAVO Office - Llandrindod
Powys - Duty Officers	Emily Prothero / Julie King	PAVO Office - Llandrindod
Powys - Improving Cancer Journey	Penny Tanner	PAVO Officer - Newtown

How can I access the Service?

You can make a referral to the service through any of the following:

Calling our Duty Officer, Community Connector Service on 01597 828649: 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday
Email community.connectors(at)pavo.org.uk 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday
Health and Social Care Professionals can refer via WCCIS or via the ASSIST (Adult Social Service Information Support Team)
Contacting your locally based Community Connector