A recent report from the Community Link Worker Team working across Dumfries and Galloway highlights that social connection is the main driver of demand to their service. The report from the team analyses Community Link Worker (CLW) referral and signposting activity across Dumfries and Galloway between January and July 2026. It draws on 506 referrals, 799 recorded signposting activities and 51 identified service gaps, providing insight into community need, patterns of support and opportunities for future service development.
Key findings indicate that:
- Social connection is the main driver of demand, with Making Connections accounting for 54.5% of all referrals and community connection representing the largest signposting theme.
- Older adults are the primary users of the service, with 52% of referrals relating to people aged 66 and over, highlighting the importance of services that promote independence, wellbeing and social inclusion.
- Financial wellbeing and housing support needs are most evident in more deprived communities, particularly in areas containing higher proportions of SIMD 1 and 2 neighbourhoods.
- Community and third-sector organisations are critical local assets, with 65% of signposting activity involving services that are free at the point of contact. The D&G Carers Centre was the only community organisation recorded across all Home Team areas.
- Transport, accessibility and service capacity are significant barriers to positive outcomes, particularly in rural localities and areas experiencing higher levels of deprivation.
The findings suggest that future investment should focus on strengthening community connection and befriending services, improving community transport and rural mobility, increasing outreach support, enhancing social inclusion opportunities for older adults, and addressing gaps in mental health and neurodiversity support.
You can read the CLW Connections Report here.
For more information about the report or the Dumfries and Galloway Community Link Worker team, please contact Kate Gardner, Public Health Improvement Lead, NHS Dumfries and Galloway Community Health and Social Care Partnership.
