Support hubs
If you or someone you know has been classed as being a vulnerable person you may have your case referred to a support hub.This page will provide you with information on support hubs and how they function.
What is a support hub
Vulnerable people can get help from a range of organisations.
Support hubs are designed to help vulnerable people get access to the right support, at the right time, from the right organisation in their local area.
The hubs can help people who may be experiencing a range of problems.
This can include being a victim of ongoing antisocial behaviour or crime. Other people may need support in order to avoid being drawn into behaviour which may lead to offending.
Others may find themselves in difficult situations which can affect their personal safety, physical or mental health.
The person seeking help will be asked for their consent to be supported by the hub as the individual's opinions and welfare are at the centre of any decision and action taken.
Support hubs firmly focus on reducing the vulnerability for individuals.
Early intervention
The work of those in the support hub also includes identifying concerns about individuals who as yet may not have been referred to the hub.
In these cases, agencies will work together to provide early intervention with individuals in order to reduce vulnerability and improve wellbeing.
Organisations involved
There is no lead agency for each support hub but the Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) manager or team is usually involved in coordinating support hub meetings.
Organisations involved in the work at hubs may differ depending on location and could include:
- PSNI
- Health and Social Care Trust
- Local Council
- Northern Ireland Housing Executive
- Youth Justice Agency
- Probation Board for NI
- Education Authority
- Northern Ireland Ambulance Service
- Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service
Where are the hubs
The aim is to have a hub set up in each local council area across Northern Ireland. At present there are ten hubs in operation, these are in the following council areas:
- Antrim and Newtownabbey
- Ards and North Down
- Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon
- Causeway Coast and Glens
- Derry City and Strabane
- Fermanagh and Omagh
- Lisburn and Castlereagh
- Mid and East Antrim
- Mid Ulster
- Newry, Mourne and Down