Last updated: 28 February 2024

Next review: 28 February 2025

People may experience situations that can affect their health and well-being (such as a bereavement, marriage break up, job loss or ill-health) by causing issues like low mood, anxiety, unhealthy eating, lack of motivation and relationship conflict.

An Adult Early Help Link Worker aims to get involved at an early stage when difficulties start to arise, to get support in place quickly and prevent things from getting worse. 

What is a link worker and how can they support?

Link Workers support people get their life back on track. Wanting things to be better and different is sometimes easier said than done; talking to a professional Link Worker can help you identify what you want to get out of life, which can enable you to achieve your goals.

What can I expect?

An Adult Early Help link worker will get to know you, they will ask you questions and listen to you. They will work with you to understand what’s important to you, help you identify and develop your strengths, skills, talents, and abilities and find the solutions that are right for you, with the aim that you will be able to seek support from your local connections, networks and community when the going gets tough.

They will regularly review how things are going and if they need to do things differently, to ensure you achieve your goals. You may start to see things improve very quickly but sometimes it may take a bit longer. We can work with you for up to a year, to support you in achieving your goals.

The Link worker will help you to:

  • identify your personal strengths, goals and needs
  • access information, advice, and support
  • build your own support network
  • find practical ways to resolve problems
  • help you be involved and part of your community

Is this a service for me?

The service is for anyone aged over 18 and living in Waltham Forest and maybe experiencing a range of needs and issues, such as, money problems, feeling isolated, unemployment, ill-health, low mood, and addictions.

How do I access the service?

If you are a professional and would like to refer a resident, please email the team directly for a referral form.

Alternatively, if you are a resident you can self-refer by emailing us at adult.earlyhelp@walthamforest.gov.uk and one of the team leaders will get back to you to discuss how we can support you.