INTERACT is a multi-agency service providing proactive care and support for people whose health and/or wellbeing are adversely affected by their housing situation or home environment. The service is targeted at adults who have frailty (all-age), multi-morbidity or complex needs (including frequent users of health and care provision) who are registered with a Norwich GP surgery.

The service is delivered by an integrated team, incorporating Age UK, Norfolk Citizen’s Advice, Norwich City Council, OneNorwich Practices, Norfolk County Council and Voluntary Norfolk. The team provide holistic support, focusing on what is important to the individual, to help people stay healthy, happy and independent for as long as possible at home.

Following a referral, the team will work with the person to understand their needs and goals and develop Personalised Care and Support Plans (PCSPs) setting out a range of actions to achieve these. Follow-on support will be provided directly by the INTERACT team (including through use of volunteers) and linked Home Improvement Team, as well as via referrals out to a range of services and community support.

The team can offer support to keep people safe and well in their existing home (for example home improvements, adaptations, benefits claims, decluttering, befriending) or to provide practical and emotional support to help people to move to more suitable accommodation where they would like to (e.g. switching utilities, practical help with moving, finding community support in a new neighbourhood).

The project is being evaluated in partnership with UEA to understand the outcomes it is delivering for individuals and the wider system.