During the financial year, Wynsdale Community Connect CIC has continued to develop its purpose, partnerships and future service model. Although the CIC remains in its early stages and has not yet secured formal external funding, we have received a small number of donations to support our community purpose. We have also been able to provide support, advice and signposting to several vulnerable people whose circumstances were brought to our attention by local authorities, hospital discharge teams, adult social care and housing associations. The people supported were often living in poor, unsafe or unsuitable housing conditions, where issues such as clutter, property condition, mobility difficulties, health concerns and financial hardship were affecting their wellbeing and ability to live safely at home. Our involvement has included helping to identify practical needs, signposting to appropriate support, and working with professionals to consider how the person’s home environment could be improved. The company’s activities have benefited the community by helping to raise awareness of the link between poor housing conditions and health, safety and wellbeing. Where possible, our work has supported vulnerable people to access help earlier, reducing the risk of further deterioration, crisis intervention, hospital readmission, fire risk, falls or loss of independence. This year has also been important in building relationships with local authorities, housing providers, health and social care professionals, and voluntary and community sector organisations. These relationships will help the CIC to develop a more structured service in future, subject to funding and available resources.

During the financial year, Wynsdale Community Connect CIC did not carry out a formal stakeholder consultation exercise. However, we did have a number of meaningful conversations with stakeholders through meetings, presentations, referrals and discussions. Our stakeholders include vulnerable residents, local authorities, hospital discharge teams, adult social care teams, housing associations, voluntary and community sector organisations, and professionals supporting people who are living in poor, unsafe or unsuitable housing conditions. Conversations were held with Adult Social Care teams and professionals regarding the effects of poor housing conditions on health, safety, wellbeing, and independence, as well as the financial burden on the NHS. These discussions helped us better understand the types of support needed by vulnerable people, including practical help, signposting, joined-up working and early intervention before situations reach crisis point. Although the CIC has not yet received external funding, other than small donations, or fully established its service, these conversations have helped shape our future aims and approach. They have reinforced the need for a compassionate, preventative service that supports people whose home environment is affecting their ability to live safely and independently.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration