By Eric White

FROM Wednesday 25th May Harlow residents will be able to find and access local community and voluntary help from one website.

The website www.harlowfrontline.org.uk is a resource for members of the public, health professionals and support workers.

Many of us go through periods when we experience some challenges in our lives; coping with a young family, caring for an elderly relative, money worries or perhaps just finding it hard to cope.

Frontline is a pioneering local community initiative, first launched in Uttlesford two years ago, that offers support when you need it, within a few clicks of a button.

Frontline in Harlow and Epping Forest is much more than just a directory of services however; the secure website allows health and support workers to directly refer patients and clients to organisations or members of the public to request a call back from many of the providers.

AJ Sanger, Interim Manager at Harlow Citizens Advice stated: “We know how important it is for local organisations to work together to help people resolve their problems.

“Harlow Frontline is a single, secure website that we can use to make referrals – and it is great! We know it will help us to provide a much more holistic service for our clients.”

Andrew Geldard, Interim Chief Officer at NHS West Essex CCG, said: “The CCG is keen to highlight the many options for support and care within west Essex.

“Our thriving community and voluntary sectors are an invaluable resource that offers advice and support to local residents who are seeking non-medical solutions to issues. We are encouraging people to use their local Frontline and take advantage of the myriad of support options on their doorstep.”

Front page of the Harlow Frontline website

Jackie Sully, Executive Director at Rainbow Service agrees: “The system is so easy to use. We understand how difficult it is for heath and support workers such as social workers and GP’s to be able to keep up to date with local services, as these are often dependent on funding and can change frequently.”

Organisations already signed up to Harlow Frontline include: Age UK Essex, SEPT Macmillan, Community Agents, Accuro, Action for Family Carers, Alzheimer’s Society, Open Road, Family Mosaic, Breathe Easy, Harlow Save, Streets 2 Homes, YCT, Harlow Citizens Advice, Harlow Advice Centre.

If you are a local organisation and would like to register on the website as a referral provider and / or service provider, please get in touch with Beth Hammond at Rainbow Services on 01279 417249 or email: [email protected]