Home - Upstream

Introducing Upstream

UPSTREAM reaches out into local communities to help people who are mentally, physically or socially isolated to improve their own health, well-being and quality of life, and to prolong their independence.

Professional community mentors give time to individuals, to understand their needs, to help them to overcome barriers in their daily lives, and to introduce them to meaningful and stimulating activities and social groups.

Mentors work in partnership with individuals, community organisations and health and care professionals. Where possible, mentors work to prevent early signs of problems from getting worse but much of their work involves intervention at a later, often more critical stage, when people are already coping with multiple difficulties.

People come direct to us by word of mouth, or through family and friends, health and care professionals such as GPs, or through carers and other community organisations.

We work confidentially, visiting people's homes if invited. We introduce people to existing services and community activities. Where the community does not already provide what people want, we encourage the start of new activities to match the need.

We are a small independent charity with a big track record of innovation and national recognition. Upstream was founded by GPs in Devon and we have delivered contracts for the health and care priorities of local authorities and central government. Our work has been externally evaluated and disseminatd widely. We develop partnerships and consortia of other organisations, or we work as a sole provider.

Welcome to our Website

Click on the headings at the top of the page to find out more. Then click on the headings that appear down the left hand column.