Residents across Shropshire are already benefiting from a new wellbeing service that helps people get the right support earlier, before worries or day-to-day challenges become harder to manage.
Launched in April 2026, The Shropshire Wellbeing and Navigation Network, known as SWANN, brings together friendly, practical support for adults who may be feeling isolated, finding life more difficult, recovering after a stay in hospital, living with a long-term health condition, or supporting someone else as an unpaid carer.
Commissioned by Shropshire Council and Shropshire Integrated Care Board, SWANN is delivered through partner organisations including Shropshire Mental Health Support and Community Resource, Live Well Shropshire and the British Red Cross. Working in partnership, they help residents talk through what is happening, build confidence, reconnect with their community and find support that feels right for them.
For some people, this may mean help to get home safely from hospital and settle back into everyday life. For others, it may mean one-to-one support, local groups, befriending, help to stay active, support with mental wellbeing, or a friendly conversation about where to turn next.
By offering support early, SWANN can help residents, including family carers, feel less alone, more confident and more able to manage day-to-day life. It can also help prevent smaller problems from building up, giving people a supportive place to start when they are not sure what help they need.
Residents are currently referred into SWANN through professionals and services who are already supporting them, including health, care and community partners. This helps make sure people are connected with the most appropriate support for their circumstances. Shropshire Council is also working with partners so that, soon, residents will be able to refer themselves directly.
Councillor Ruth Houghton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for social care and public health, said:
“SWANN is already making a positive difference by helping residents get support earlier, in a way that feels personal, practical and reassuring. We know that people’s needs are not always about one single issue. Someone may be feeling lonely, recovering after hospital, caring for a loved one, or simply unsure where to turn. SWANN brings local support together so people do not have to face those challenges on their own.
“This service is about helping people stay well, independent and connected to the things that matter to them. As self-referral becomes available, we hope even more residents will feel able to ask for support at an earlier stage, before difficulties become more serious.”
Find out more about SWANN and refer customers
SWANN is open to adults aged 18 and over who live in Shropshire and would benefit from short-term support to improve their wellbeing. It is not a replacement for care or medical services, but it can help people find the right help at the right time and take positive steps towards feeling more confident and connected.
If you work with adults in Shropshire who need support to stay independent, you can find out more about SWANN and refer customers here: The Shropshire Wellbeing and Navigation Network | Shropshire Council
