Finding the right support when you need it can make a big difference. There are many organisations and programmes in Cornwall which can support you with different needs.
In Cornwall, support is available to help before small issues become bigger ones. Different organisations work with you and offer support to:
Whatever it is you need advice for, these organisations ensure people get the help they need when it matters most.
Commissioned Services / Wider Council Support
These are care and support services that the Council organises and helps pay for. This includes things like carers visiting people at home, equipment and technology, specialist housing, or day opportunities where you can meet others and join activities.
We work together with people who use these services to co-design what kind of support will work best for them, ensuring the services are of good quality, safe, and help people live well and remain as independent as possible.
If you’d like to learn more about your rights regarding social care or how we plan and support services, you can find more details on our Know your Rights page.
These quality-assured services have been checked to make sure they are safe, reliable, and helpful. They offer the right support for things like housing, money, care, health, and work.
The Community Gateway provides access to a wide range of support. The Gateway staff talk to people to understand what they need and set up the right support. It is an easy way to get help to:
prevent hospital admission
reduce feelings of loneliness
find or stay in work
locate Mental Health Support
take part in Community Activities
arrange delivery of hot meals or find somewhere you can have them
learn about warm spaces
and improve overall well-being
In addition, staff members in the community will be available to offer one to one and group support.
The Gateway is open 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year – including Christmas day.
Contact the Gateway:
Speak to the trained staff and find local support that’s right for you.
AskSARA
If you’re not sure what support you need, AskSARA is an easy online tool that can help you figure it out. It asks simple questions about your daily tasks and health, then suggests equipment or services that might make things easier for you. Whether it's help around the house, getting out and about, or just staying independent, AskSARA gives you advice and ideas to improve your day-to-day life. It’s a quick and simple way to find the right support for you.
Advocacy Support
Sometimes people need help expressing their wishes or understanding information around health, care and support decisions.
Advocacy is having someone to help you with this.
Support for People Caring for a Loved One
Looking after someone can be both rewarding and challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. There is help for carers, including advice, financial support, and ways to take a break when you need it.
Day Opportunities
Want to meet new people, try new activities, or get extra support during the day? Day opportunities offer safe and welcoming spaces where you can socialise, learn new skills, and stay active.
Family Information Service
Our Family Information Service (FIS) provides information, advice and guidance on childcare, activities and services for children, young people and their families, as well as the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Local Offer
Healthy Cornwall
No matter what your age or ability, we can help you lead a happier, healthier lifestyle.
We're here to support you with:
weight management
healthy eating
physical activity
stopping smoking
healthy pregnancy
Find out how we can help you to have a healthier lifestyle.
Cornwall Community Hubs are local places where you can access a range of services and support to help you live well in your community. They bring together different support like advice, health support, activities, and social opportunities, making it easier for you to find the help you need in one place. Whether you need help with housing, employment, or just want to meet others, Cornwall’s Community Hubs are there to offer guidance and support.
Food Banks
Cornwall Food Bank helps you locate food banks across the county. This map provides details on where food banks are located, so you can easily find the nearest one to get support.
Helping Hands
If you're looking for further support from Cornwall Council departments, you can visit our Helping Hands pages. There, you'll find information on a range of council and community services to help with applying for a blue badge, housing, homelessness, home adaptations, money, health, how to get online, benefits and much more.
My Area
You can also use Cornwall Council’s ‘Where I Live’ tool to find local services and information based on your postcode. This tool can help you discover details about bin collections, council tax, local schools, planning applications, GP surgeries, and much more all specific to your area.
NHS Service finder
The NHS Service Finder is an online tool provided by the NHS (National Health Service) that helps people locate health services in their area. It allows you to search for a variety of services, such as:
You can search by your location, and the tool will give you contact details, addresses, and sometimes ratings or reviews of local services. It’s a great way to quickly find the right healthcare provider for your needs.
Cornwall Mobility
Cornwall Mobility have a walk-in showroom on the Royal Cornwall Hospital site in Truro, showcasing equipment and TEC products. You can try out wheelchairs and other equipment. They can also advise on the best solutions, including around driving and vehicle adaptations.
How else can I find out information about activities in my community?
Top tips to finding out about what you can get involved in:
look on websites, Facebook groups or Instagram for events
use platforms like Eventbrite or Cornwall link to discover local events, classes, and meet-ups happening nearby
subscribe to newsletters from local organisations
drop by your local community centre, leisure centre or library to find flyers or bulletin boards with information about local events and activities
speak to people where you live to learn about opportunities you may not have heard about
look at notice boards in local shops or cafes
get involved with community groups to stay informed and connect with others in your area
If you have more complex needs