Published: Tuesday, 28th April 2026
West Norfolk’s Help Hub has hit a significant milestone, as the network of organisations working together to provide early support for people who are struggling continues to expand.
There are now more than 60 organisations involved and around 300 representatives from these attended its annual networking event today, to meet and learn more about each other’s work.
Lisa Tombleson, Help Hub Co-ordinator, said:
“This network is all about getting in early and supporting people with all the issues they may have.
“We bridge the gap between people who might not be coping very well, and people with problems that are so serious, statutory services have to get involved.
“We know that when someone comes forward with a problem to one organisation, the chances are they are having problems with other areas in their life. For example, if they are in debt to the council, they are probably having money problems generally. We can help them to deal with their debt but also look at what’s causing the money problems and anything else they’re struggling with.
“By working together, we can help people to move from surviving to thriving.”
Case study
This is exactly how things worked for one client of the Help Hub, ‘Laura’. Laura had learning difficulties and had recently suffered a bereavement. This had led to feelings of isolation, poor mental health and financial problems. With her debts stacking up, she was at risk of eviction from her home.
Working together, the partners put in place a range of support, which included home visits, help to apply for benefits she was entitled to, measures to deal with her debt and wellbeing support to reduce her isolation.
All this meant that she didn’t become homeless and is now living independently, with the right support in place.
Organisations involved
The organisations involved include the borough and county councils, health service and housing associations but also lots of voluntary and charity organisations that give specialist help.
For example, the Family Hub network, which gives help to parents. Family Hubs are for families with babies, children and young people from pregnancy to 19 years, or up to 25 for young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Family Hubs give help and advice on how to take care of children and make sure they are safe and healthy as they grow and develop.
SHPS (Sustainable Housing Partnership Service) is a service helping people in Kings Lynn and West Norfolk reduce their risk of homelessness. It focuses on tenancy support, helping single adults, couples and families to successfully keep a tenancy or find the right accommodation.