News

New website and resources to support professionals working with at-risk groups ...

19th Nov, 2009

A new website and handbook, Link Up Link In, supporting joint-working among frontline professionals, was launched in September 2009.

The cross-Government campaign, managed and delivered by the Social Exclusion Task Force, targets those working with offenders on probation, care leavers and people with mental health problems and learning disabilities - helping them to find accommodation , employment, education and training.

Research for the Social Exclusion Task Force shows that public services working together is key to getting at-risk groups into a stable home and job - the target of Public Service Agreement (PSA) 16.

Frontline workers consulted as part of the research were enthusiastic about the idea of a resource that could help them to work together more effectively.

The toolkit is available online at Link Up Link In and includes case studies, guidance and useful facts, showing how organisations across the country are working together to improve the lives of socially excluded people.

A database, piloting in the East Midlands, will enable people to search for other relevant professionals on the website.

Angela Smith, Minister for the Third Sector and Social Exclusion, said, "We know many public services across the country are already working together to deliver services.  This campaign and toolkit aims to share lessons and get local organisations talking about working more effectively and efficiently."