A NEW team has been launched to help connect the community and prevent residents facing a crisis.

Community connectors will meet with groups and individuals and signpost them to services which may be able to help as well as offering expert advice on a variety of issues.

They will also help vulnerable and socially isolated people, who have been identified by GPs and other health and social care professionals to improve confidence, inclusion and independence.

Halton Council officers Maddie Powell and Vicky Waller have been appointed as the borough's first community connectors and have a variety of projects planned for Runcorn and Widnes in the coming months.

The pair have an excellent local knowledge including social groups, support services and charities.

This will enable them to provide guidance for individuals in the community to get the help and support they need quickly and close to home.

Maddie and Vicky will be at Runcorn Shopping City today, Monday, from 10am to 1pm to meet people.

Halton Cllr Marie Wright, board member for health and wellbeing, said: "They will work alongside the community to help people build skills and conquer those things that have been standing in people's way

"The team is currently working as a 12 month pilot and its work will be focused in building up community connections in Runcorn electoral wards, Halton Lea and Grange, and Widnes electoral Wards, Kingsway and Appleton.

"People who receive the service must be over the age of 18."

Call -151 511 6869 for more information.

Similar schemes run in Sefton, Blackpool and Burnley.