August 28, 2019 5.03 pm This story is over 64 months old

Long-term conditions top the key issues of county wellbeing service

More than 70% had at least one of the top three issues
| Photo: Stock image

Dealing with long-term conditions, stress and mental health, and challenges with mobility are some of the key issues people have sought help for from a council wellbeing service.

The Wellbeing Service, commissioned by Lincolnshire County Council, is delivered by Wellbeing Lincs – a partnership between all seven district councils.

In the first year since April 2018, the service, available to Lincolnshire residents over the age of 18, has helped more than 6,355 of the 6,400 referrals it received.

The council says the service’s intervention has reduced the need for long-term “funded support” and helped empower people to “remain independent as long as possible.”

It also aims to reduce admissions into A&E and shorten stays in residential care.

“The provider has performed consistently well against performance measures and, where needed, has been responsive to addressing areas of improvement whilst showing a clear commitment to service development, working in partnership with designated officers,” says a report before the Adult Care and Community Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee next week

The documents say that of all those helped 73% had long-term conditions, 71% had stress and low-level mental health concerns and 70% had challenges with mobility.

Those between the ages of 18-69, however, felt the strain most of stress and mental health, with 84% hitting the category, while 75% had long-term conditions and 65% had issues managing money.

Over the age of 70, challenges with mobility took top priority at 78% of eligible referrals, while long-term conditions and stress-related problems took the second and third spots at 66% and 57%.

To access the Wellbeing Service, people must be over the age of 18, live in Lincolnshire and fulfil at least four of 13 potential criteria.

As well as the above, the service helps with promoting social contact, physical health and substance misuse.

It works with a number of partners including local hospitals, LIVES and Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.

SUBSCRIBE TO LOCAL DEMOCRACY WEEKLY, our exclusive email newsletter with highlights from coverage every week, as well as insights and analysis from our local democracy reporters.