Local charity, Julian Support, has just announced the expansion of its highly acclaimed Admission Prevention Service, thanks to continued funding from NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB).

From October 1 2023, Julian Support, who support people with their mental health and wellbeing, will provide crucial support to people at risk of hospital admission or those being discharged from hospitals throughout the entirety of Norfolk and Waveney.

The Admission Prevention Service aims to support people to remain well in their own homes and communities, thereby preventing the need for hospital admissions or readmissions.

Julian Support will work closely with Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust (NSFT) to deliver this service, providing support that is matched to the specific needs of each individual person.

There are two key parts that make up the Admission Prevention Service:

• Pre-Admission Support: will offer support to people highly likely to be admitted to the hospital.
• Discharge Support: will help people back into their homes and communities after a stay in hospital, aiming to prevent re-admission.

Originally launched in 2015 as a pilot project serving the people of Norwich, the Admission Prevention Service has proven its effectiveness with its short-term approach and supporting the individual needs of the person.

People who accessed this service have successfully remained living at home and have avoided hospital admissions or re-admissions. In 2021, the service expanded to encompass Central Norfolk, North Norfolk and South Norfolk and following its success, is now being rolled out to people and communities across all of Norfolk and Waveney.

Chief Executive of Julian Support, Louise Spooner, said:

“We are so pleased that the ICB has recognised the value of such a vital service that has already proven to be a lifeline to so many people.

“With the award of this new contract our fantastic group of staff will be able to support more people in Norfolk and Waveney who are experiencing a really difficult time in their lives.”

Chief Executive of NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, Tracey Bleakley, said:

“We are thrilled to be working with Julian Support to make this much needed service available to all of our people across Norfolk and Waveney.

“Expanding this service will enable more local people to receive personalised care and support, helping to avoid an unnecessary hospital admission and to stay well in their own homes, which is so important to our health and wellbeing.”

For more information about the Admission Prevention Service, please visit https://www.juliansupport.org/PAGES/PREVENTION