Our Impact & Outcomes
Who We Support
Most HCNS clients are aged 65+ and living with long‑term health conditions such as:
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Frailty
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Mobility issues
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Mental health needs
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Cancer
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Sensory impairment
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Stroke
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Heart conditions
Top Issues We Help With
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Hospital discharge support
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Support at home
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Debt, finance & benefits
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Social isolation
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Housing
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Mental health
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Carer support
Stories From Our Work
Preventing a Crisis
“I was stuck in my chair for hours with no food or drink. HCNS stayed on the phone with me until help arrived. I don’t know what I would have done without them.”
Emergency Food Support
A woman discharged with no access to food received an emergency parcel, personal shopping, and two weeks of Meals on Wheels.
Hearing Aid Activation
A gentleman discharged with new hearing aids but no instructions was supported to get an audiology appointment within the week.
These stories show the difference timely, compassionate support can make.
Testimonials
From Clients
“Your link worker was wonderful. Look after your staff as well as they looked after my dad.”
“Your support has been invaluable to me, and I honestly couldn't have managed without your help during parts of this year. I am so very grateful for the impact all your efforts have had on my life”
“Your team not only saved my life, she changed it! I considere myself very fortunate to have been referred to your service”
From Referrers
“I used HCNS for a key safe — amazing service, fitted within one day.” Social Worker
Thank you so much for plunging in with your heart and soul to move things forward for the well being of our client. I am astounded by your unspoilt dedication and sincerity in all that you do and bring to the MDT. We are truly blessed with your partnership. Complex Case Manager
From Partners
“We want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support in caring for our patients over the years. Your positive impact on our patients in the community is truly remarkable, and we are incredibly thankful for your dedication.” Clinical Director
The story so far...
2014
Hertfordshire Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group (HVCCG) and Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) jointly commission “Herts Help in the West” – one of the UK’s first designated social prescribing schemes with “Community Navigators” employed through voluntary sector partner organisations.
2017
HCC invites seven voluntary sector organisations to form a partnership to deliver a single countywide social prescribing service: Hertfordshire Hospital and Community Navigation Service.
2018
HCNS partners agree matrix staff management, single ICT infrastructure, data sharing, and quality standards.
2019
First PCN Link Workers employed. Additional funding received for decluttering service.
2020
HCNS offers front-line support through first Covid lockdown and beyond. Additional funding received for “Pathway Zero” wrap-around service.
2021
HCNS supports work with refugees and arrivals from Afghanistan. Additional funding received for “Waiting Well” service. All remaining “Community Navigators” redesignated as “Link Workers”.
2022
HCNS supports work with refugees and arrivals from Ukraine.
Partnership agreements and policies updated.