Neighbourhood coordinators

Neighbourhood coordinators are here to help you stay connected, supported, and independent in your local area. If you’re unsure what help is available - or don’t know where to start - they can work with you to find the right solutions.  

Their role is to link people to services, activities and informal support within their own neighbourhood, so help feels closer, more familiar, and more personalised 

How neighbourhood coordinators can help

Neighbourhood coordinators work with adults of all ages, including:

• older people who may be isolated or need some extra support
• people with long-term health conditions or disabilities
• carers and family members
• anyone at risk of becoming socially excluded

They can:

• talk with you about your needs and what's important to you
• connect you to local groups, befriending, and volunteering opportunities
• help you access practical support (shopping, transport, housing advice)
• work with your gp, social worker or housing provider to make things smoother
• support you to stay independent and involved in your community
• offer advice around money worries, wellbeing, or accessing Adult Social Care

Support in your area: lewisham's neighbourhoods and wards  

 
Lewisham is divided into four Neighbourhood Areas, each with dedicated Coordinators who know the community well.

Each area has one or more coordinators who can:

• arrange home visits or phone check-ins
• attend local community events and GP surgeries
• work with voluntary and faith groups to provide holistic support

What’s the difference between neighbourhood coordinators and social workers?

Neighbourhood coordinators:

• focus on early help and community support
• work in partnership with health, housing, and voluntary groups
• don’t carry statutory responsibilities (like arranging care packages)

Social workers:

• step in where formal support or safeguarding is required
• complete care act assessments
• work closely with people with more complex needs

Neighbourhood coordinators can work alongside social workers, but their approach is more informal, flexible, and focused on preventing problems before they escalate.

How to get in touch

If you or someone you know could benefit from a neighbourhood coordinator:

• call Lewisham Adult Social Care: 020 8314 7777
• email: gateway@lewisham.gov.uk
• online referral form

Referrals can be made by:

• the person themselves
• a family member or carer
• GP, nurse or other professional
• a community or faith organisation