Referral Criteria and Process

Referrals can be made through your GP. We have good relationships with Friarsgate, St Clements and St Paul’s surgeries.

We also accept self-referrals. And we’re pleased to accept referrals from anyone in the local community who can now refer friends, neighbours or even customers into the service. We call these Hand in Hand Community Connectors.

You can make a referral here.

What are the criteria for referral?

The scheme is for those older people in the community who feel that they need support. You may want to improve your overall health and mobility, or you may feel:

Socially isolated or looking for more social contact
Lacking confidence
Needing to find some practical support and information to improve their situation
Feeling worried, apprehensive or finding everyday life a challenge

Using resources within the community will help you to benefit from meeting other people or taking part in a new activity.

St John’s Hand in Hand is available for those aged 55 and over, living in the Winchester community and surrounding areas.

The referral process

Referrals can be made through your GP. We also accept self-referrals. And we’re pleased to accept referrals from Community Connectors, these are people in the local community who can now refer friends, neighbours or even customers into the service. Our friendly team will meet with you to find out more about how we can help. Your Wellbeing Coordinator will discuss your needs, what your goals are and what options are available to you.

Together, we will create a ‘Living Well Plan’. This is a plan of action to set out what you want to achieve and show how we can help you to meet your goals.

You will be matched with a volunteer based on hobbies, interests and preferences wherever possible. They will get to know you with guidance, support and introduction from your wellbeing coordinator. You will then begin your chosen activity, group or club with support from your Wellbeing Coordinator and/or volunteer.

Throughout the process, you will also be put in touch with other organisations, groups and people in the community who are there to provide additional help and support. We will be with you every step of the way; we will check in to ensure things are running smoothly and you are receiving the support you need. If you require more support than what you are receiving, your Wellbeing Coordinator will contact you to see what has changed, review your interest in continuing with your new activities and see what further support can be offered.

Please note that the St John’s Hand in Hand scheme is not a registered Care Quality Commission (CQC) service.