NHS Community Link Workers Visit Langholm to Connect with Local Groups

A Day of Collaboration in Langholm

Langholm recently welcomed a visit from the NHS Community Link Worker (CLW) team, who spent the day meeting with local organisations to see first-hand the important work being carried out in the town to support health, wellbeing, and community connection.

The visit was facilitated by The Langholm Alliance and included stops at:

• Tarras Valley Nature Reserve (TVNR) – where the group learned about how conservation and nature projects are supporting community health and wellbeing, as well as opportunities for volunteering and outdoor engagement.
• Creation Mill – a creative hub bringing people together through craft, design, and learning opportunities, helping tackle isolation and boosting skills.
• Langholm Playcare – offering essential childcare support for families, enabling parents to work or train while children enjoy a safe and stimulating environment.
• Langholm Day Centre – providing a welcoming space for older people and those in need of companionship, helping to reduce loneliness and offer vital social contact.
• Xcel Project – delivering activities and support for young people, giving them safe spaces to build confidence, learn new skills, and develop positive futures.
• Blueheart Counselling – offering counselling and mental health support, ensuring that local people have access to professional guidance during challenging times.

The Role of Community Link Workers

Community Link Workers support people aged 16 and over to connect with local services, activities, and resources that improve quality of life – whether that’s help with money and benefits, access to training, volunteering, or joining social groups.

The team also understands that you may have non-medical concerns that are having an impact on your health and wellbeing. For example; caring responsibilities, worries about the cost of living or feeling isolated.

Reflections on the Visit

Reflecting on their visit, members of the CLW team praised the Langholm community spirit:

“There is a clear sense of community – all organisations working together within a shared commitment to improve the health and wellbeing of people living within their communities.”

They were also impressed by the strength of volunteering in the town:

“There is a huge emphasis on volunteering within all of the organisations – highlighting everyone has something to give.”

The day ended with thanks to The Langholm Alliance for coordinating the programme:

“A huge thank you to Michelle – Langholm Alliance for arranging the day – it was informative, relaxed and enjoyable. From an NHS perspective this has helped build connections and relationships within the Langholm community and will support a co-productive way of working.”

Strengthening Local and Regional Connections

The Langholm Alliance, who brought together the programme for the day, highlighted the importance of connecting local services with wider regional support:

“It’s about making sure the people of Langholm have the right support at the right time, and that organisations can work together to achieve the best outcomes for our community.”

Looking Ahead

The visit underlined the value of collaboration in tackling non-medical challenges that impact health, such as isolation, caring responsibilities, and the rising cost of living.

For more information about NHS Community Link Worker support, call 030 33 33 3001 or speak to your GP or health professional about a referral. https://dghscp.co.uk/home-teams/