Shropshire Council is highlighting the positive difference being made by a service that helps people return home safely and confidently after a stay in hospital.
The Supported Hospital Discharge service, delivered by the British Red Cross as part of The Shropshire Wellbeing and Navigation Network, known as SWANN, provides short-term practical and emotional support for adults who need extra help after leaving hospital. The service was commissioned jointly by Shropshire Council and Shropshire Integrated Care Board and was launched in April 2026.
Coming home from hospital can feel daunting, especially for people who live alone, have lost confidence, are recovering from illness or injury, or do not have family and friends nearby. The service helps make that first step home easier by making sure people feel safe, settled and supported.
Support can include help getting home from hospital, checking that someone has the essentials they need, helping with everyday tasks such as shopping or collecting prescriptions, and offering reassurance and companionship. People are also helped to order their shopping online and get in touch with their GP surgeries. Fall alarms are also installed where needed. The team can also help people rebuild confidence and connect them with local groups, services and community support.
By providing the right help at the right time, the service supports people to recover in familiar surroundings, remain independent and feel more in control. It can also give families and unpaid carers peace of mind, knowing that their loved one is not facing the move home alone.
The Supported Hospital Discharge service is one part of SWANN, a preventative support service for adults aged 18 and over living in Shropshire. SWANN brings together support from local partner organisations to help people stay well, maintain independence and feel connected to their communities before problems become more difficult to manage.
Councillor Ruth Houghton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for social care and public health, said:
“Leaving hospital is an important moment in someone’s recovery, but for many people it can also feel worrying or uncertain. This service provides simple, practical support that can make a real difference — helping people get home safely, settle back into daily life and regain their confidence.
“We are pleased to be working with the British Red Cross through SWANN to provide compassionate, person-centred support for residents when they need it most. By helping people earlier and supporting them in their own homes and communities, we can improve wellbeing, promote independence and reduce the chance of problems escalating.”
Service Manager Natalie Bowkett, British Red Cross, added:
“Spending time in hospital can be a difficult experience, and returning home afterwards often brings its own challenges. People may have lost confidence, be adjusting to changes in their health, or simply feel overwhelmed by managing everyday tasks again. Having the right support at this stage can make a huge difference.
Through the British Red Cross Supported Hospital Discharge service, we help people settle back into life at home safely. From practical assistance and connecting people with local services to providing reassurance and a friendly face, our team supports individuals through what can be an intimidating transition. Working in partnership through SWANN enables us to provide joined-up support that benefits the people we support, as well as their families and carers. Together, we help people regain their independence and confidence, ensuring their return home is as smooth, safe and successful as possible.”
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
