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

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Extra comments (optional)

Support hubs

What is a support hub

Early intervention

Organisations involved

Where are the hubs

Translation help

Help improve this page - send your feedback

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What to do next

Carer's Allowance

Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

Disability Living Allowance

Employment and Support Allowance

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Personal Independence Payment