Residents can now self-refer to the Shropshire Wellbeing and Navigation Network for practical, friendly wellbeing support
Residents across Shropshire can now refer themselves directly to the Shropshire Wellbeing and Navigation Network (SWANN), making it easier to access early, practical support to stay well, independent and connected.
SWANN is a positive, preventative support service for adults aged 18 and over living in Shropshire, delivered by Shropshire Council and its partners British Red Cross, Shropshire Mental Health Support, Live Well Shropshire, Community Resource, Oswestry Community Action and The Mayfair Centre. SWANN brings together a wide range of local services that can help people before worries or day-to-day challenges become more serious.
SWANN has now been running since April 2026 and has already helped hundreds of people across Shropshire, supporting residents to take positive steps towards better wellbeing, greater independence and stronger community connections.
People can request support for themselves, or a family member or unpaid carer can help them make a referral. This gives residents the freedom to ask for early help directly, as soon as they feel it could benefit them.
Through one simple route, SWANN can connect residents with different types of support, including help after a hospital stay, community-based mental health outreach, social activities, befriending, daily living skills, digital confidence and practical advice to build independence and resilience.
Supported Hospital Discharge, delivered by the British Red Cross, offers short-term practical and emotional support to help people return home safely after a hospital stay. This can include support with transport home, settling back in, shopping, prescriptions, home safety, digital tasks and reconnecting with family, friends and local activities.
Shropshire Community-Led Mental Health Outreach, delivered by Shropshire Mental Health Support and Community Resource, provides practical, emotional and community-based support for people experiencing mental health challenges. This includes one-to-one outreach, Calmer Cafés, peer support, the Neurodivergent Café in Shrewsbury, buddy support and help to build confidence and social connections.
Live Well Shropshire offers personalised wellbeing support, activities and opportunities that help people improve confidence, independence and overall wellbeing. Support can include one-to-one wellbeing planning, group sessions for daily living skills, physical activity and falls prevention, befriending, digital inclusion and help to access local groups and services, including Oswestry Community Action and the Mayfair Centre in Church Stretton.
Councillor Ruth Houghton, Shropshire Council’s portfolio holder for adult social care, said:
“This is a really positive step for residents across Shropshire. By opening up self-referrals, we are giving residents, carers and families a simpler way to ask for help when they need it. SWANN brings together trusted local support in one place, so people can get the right help sooner and feel more confident about the future.”
SWANN support is preventative and time limited. It is not a replacement for statutory care, clinical health services or emergency support, but it can make a real difference for people who would benefit from early help, reassurance and connection.
How residents can access SWANN
Residents can find out more about SWANN and make a self-referral by visiting: The Shropshire Wellbeing and Navigation Network | Shropshire Council
Alternatively, residents can come along to Shropshire Local, where trained advisors can explain support and help access the wider SWANN services. For locations and dates, visit: Shropshire Local – Shrewsbury | Shropshire Council
For urgent adult social care support, people can contact Shropshire Council’s First Point of Contact team on 0345 678 9044. For urgent mental health support, people can call NHS urgent mental health services on 0808 196 4501 or email access.shropshire@mpft.nhs.uk
