Introduction
Early Intervention has a network of professionals who apply a preventative approach to identifying emerging concerns among children, adults, families and locations in the community.
The team works together to prevent issues escalating through joint problem-solving, to enhance positive outcomes for residents in Somerset.
Early Intervention as part of Community Safety
Early intervention focuses on emerging concerns that need shared information, joined-up thinking and action before it gets worse.
The early intervention function sits within Somerset Council’s Community Safety Team. Experts from other areas of community safety such as domestic abuse, anti-social behaviour and serious violence also provide support to find practical solutions to concerns raised.
Early Intervention Co-ordinators
Early Intervention Co-ordinators have detailed knowledge of the areas they work in and are skilled in building trusted relationships, identifying emerging risks early and connecting people to the right support at the right time. Their proactive, compassionate approach helps strengthen community resilience and preventing issues from escalating. Through strong partnership working and a commitment to positive outcomes, they play a vital role in creating safer, more supportive communities across Somerset.
Early Intervention Co-ordinators bring professionals from different organisations together to discuss concerns, share information and agree the best way to help.
The early intervention approach does not ‘hold cases’, instead the Co-ordinators collaborate with organisations to ensure a consistent approach.
This means:
- People get the right help at the right time
- There is a reduction in duplication and unnecessary visits
- Agencies and the right services are brought together to act quickly and work in a clear, consistent way across Somerset
- Actions are supported which reduce threat, harm and risk and help people and communities cope better.
Partners
The following agencies are signed up to the early intervention approach:
- Avon and Somerset Police
- Somerset Council
- Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
- Schools and education providers
- Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
- Housing providers
- Health services
- Department for Work and Pensions
- Local agencies
Early Intervention Team also forms relationships with Connect Somerset Champions, Local Community Networks and other vital colleagues to ensure better outcomes for Somerset residents.