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Adult service

Rathbone Connect

A flexible mix of weekly home visits and a welcoming drop-in, offering practical advice, activities and low-cost meals for adults with learning disabilities who want independence plus regular contact.

Is this service right for the person you support?

Who it's for
Adults with learning disabilities who live independently or with family and would benefit from a combination of light-touch, regular support and the chance to connect with others. It is ideal for people who do not need intensive outreach but who value having someone to check in, help with practical tasks and offer a safe, sociable place to go during the week.
Age range
Adults aged 18 and over with a learning disability.
Cost & funding
Rathbone Connect is typically funded by the local authority through social care packages that cover the home visit and support time. Drop-in sessions may be funded through a mix of contracts, grants and donations; where contributions for food or activities are requested, these are kept as low as possible and clearly explained in advance.
When support is offered
Home visits happen once a week on agreed days and times. The drop-in runs on set days each week (currently three days) during daytime hours. People can attend as often as they like within those opening times, based on their support plan and what they find helpful.
Status
Active

What difference this service makes

  • Offers a light-touch, preventative service that helps to identify and address problems early, before they escalate into crises.
  • Combines structured home visits with an accessible drop-in, giving flexible support around housing, money, health and wellbeing.
  • Reduces loneliness and social isolation, which are known risk factors for poor mental health and increased service use.
  • Provides an identifiable point of contact for adults who may otherwise disengage from services, supporting sustained engagement.
  • Helps to relieve pressure on statutory teams by managing low-level issues and signposting effectively within the community.
Easy Read

About this service

This service gives you a weekly home visit and a friendly place to drop in.
You can get help with forms and problems, meet people and share a hot meal.
You choose when to come to the drop-in and what you want help with.

  • One visit a week at home to check you are ok.
  • A drop-in space on set days where you can come and go.
  • Help with letters, bills, appointments and phone calls.
  • Activities, games and chances to meet other people.
  • Low-cost or free meals in a friendly environment.
How to refer

Refer someone to Rathbone Connect

People are usually referred by social workers, care co-ordinators or health professionals as part of a social care package, especially where light-touch, preventative support is needed. We can also discuss referrals directly with families and carers who are concerned about isolation, mental health or someone struggling to manage on their own.

Get involved

Support our work with adults

Rathbone supports adults with learning disabilities to live well in Lambeth. Donate, volunteer, or partner with us. Every bit of support makes more services like this one possible.