Age UK Cornwall & Healthwatch Cornwall are collaborating in response to the Coronavirus situation and linking their respective digital community platforms, Cornwall Link and Ask Cornwall. The two sites offer complementing resources and purpose both around community and health and wellbeing. Each platform will promote the other by signposting people dependent upon their needs.
• Ask Cornwall is where you can draw attention to gaps and ask for ideas to meet needs not yet being addressed in your community.
• Cornwall Link is where you will find what support exists in local communities.
Our Comments
Age UK Cornwall are happy to collaborate with Healthwatch Cornwall by linking our two platforms: Cornwall Link and Ask Cornwall. Our Cornwall Link platform offers a complementary service to Ask Cornwall, both providing huge benefit and potential to communities across Cornwall. Together, we can help to create positive change and we are excited that the two sites can signpost to each other to offer more to our users
Tracey Roose, Chief Executive at Age UK Cornwall & The Isles of Scilly
Right now, so many of us are isolating and in every area of life digital connection is making a real difference. We are very pleased that our Ask Cornwall community platform- a place for people to discuss their needs and develop solutions, can unite with Cornwall Link- providing access to help and events already happening within our communities. It’s a great example of services working together to make it easier for people. When we emerge from this 'Covid time' the need for digital contact will continue, especially for those who are housebound or with work commitments that can affect how we engage with our community. We will be here to help you stay connected and join the conversations.
Amanda Stratford- CEO of Healthwatch Cornwall.
About Ask Cornwall
Share ideas, make connections, join the conversation
Healthwatch Cornwall have created Ask Cornwall as an online community platform to understand what Cornwall needs from their health, social care and wellbeing services. It allows people to contribute ideas, ask questions, join conversations and make connections to help influence change in the health and social care/wellbeing space. You can do the following:
• Suggest ideas for what Cornwall needs and discuss this with your community.
• Influence change by suggesting improvements to your local health and social care services
•Make connections with people to discuss the things that are most important to you.
Simply login for free and create a profile to join the conversation.
About Healthwatch Cornwall
https://www.healthwatchcornwall.co.uk/
Healthwatch Cornwall is an independent champion for people who use health and social care services, we are here to make sure that those running services put people at the heart of care. We speak with service users through outreach, drop-in, face-to-face and online channels to understand their experiences and to gain feedback to help drive and influence change to services in Cornwall.
About Cornwall Link
Connecting you to your community
Cornwall Link will be redirecting its focus to provide a community directory and support system to connect people during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We want to make sure people still feel supported, safe and included in their community whilst maintaining their health and well-being through this challenging time. Please use this platform to connect with neighbours, organise online events, find volunteers and offer your help.
Cornwall Link has been developed by Age UK Cornwall and Made Open Communications. We would also like to thank our Inclusion Matters partners from Cornwall Rural Community Charity, Disability Cornwall and the Digital Inclusion Team at Cornwall Council for their invaluable contribution.
Cornwall Link connects individuals, families, carers, volunteers, and healthcare professionals with services and social activities in their area. The idea behind the platform is to reduce social isolation through these connections, encouraging people to join in community-led activities. Public health recommendations involve limiting social interactions to prevent the spread of the virus. While social distancing has become a solution for many in Cornwall to monitor their health, it has resulted in anxiety for residents who rely on organisational and community assistance. Many questions have also arisen about how to navigate everyday tasks and responsibilities. Understandably, it has left a lot of people feeling vulnerable, regardless of their age or circumstances and reaching out to us for advice and support.
Your support
The best way we will be able to deliver on peoples’ needs is through a cohesive and holistic approach from service organisations and the wider community, utilising alternative communications and ideas to deliver on care and human connection. We are already seeing Cornish communities and organisations rallying together to find innovative ways to provide support. Cornwall Link will direct to the many FaceBook groups, temporary charity aid, governmental support sites, and any other relevant services allowing you to find what you need, where you need it, quickly and easily.
