As a charity it’s important to know the impact we have on a community. It allows us to see where more help is needed, and what is working. Every referral represents a person, family or carer looking for support, guidance or a helping hand. During 2024-25, our services received more than 27,500 referrals. This demonstrates the growing need for community-based support and the incredible impact of our teams and partners across the region.
Number of referrals
Local needs met
Our largest number of referrals came through Advice Portsmouth. It supported 12,663 people looking for advice on issues ranging from finances and housing to wellbeing and independent living. These figures highlight the vital role that accessible advice services play in helping residents navigate life’s challenges. Sometimes, the best support comes from people who know the local area inside out. Their advice can often be far more valuable and tailored than information found through a quick Google search.
Paragon, which is our domestic abuse service, also saw significant demand, receiving 9,401 referrals throughout the year. It’s unfortunate that domestic abuse issues are still increasing each year. But we’ll continue to offer help to our community’s most vulnerable for as long as possible.
Meanwhile, First Point Dorset received 2,118 referrals, continuing to act as a crucial gateway to support for local residents, while YOU Counselling Centres helped 1,251 people access emotional wellbeing and mental health support.
Supporting independence and wellbeing
Several services focused on helping people remain independent and connected within their communities:
- Dragonfly received 499 referrals, supporting individuals to acquire new skills to help signpost people experiencing domestic abuse.
- Urgent Community Response Check In and Chat Support received 491 referrals, providing timely support to those who needed reassurance and connection.
- Home from Hospital supported 438 people, helping individuals make a safe and confident transition back home after a hospital stay.
- Enablement received 371 referrals, assisting people in maintaining their independence and achieving personal goals.
Tackling isolation through community connections
Community-based initiatives continue to make a real difference in reducing loneliness and promoting social inclusion.
Cycling Without Age received 202 referrals, enabling older residents and those with reduced mobility to enjoy the outdoors, reconnect with their communities and experience the joy of cycling once again.
Our Young Lives service supported 39 referrals, helping young people access the services and opportunities they need to thrive.
Top 3 referrals by service
The numbers show the total number of referrals received for each service between April 2025-March 2026.
Providing Specialist Support
A range of specialist services also continued to support individuals with specific needs:
- Work Wise received 51 referrals, helping people move closer to employment and training opportunities.
- Learning Disabilities services received 24 referrals, ensuring personalised support was available where needed.
- Mental Health specialist services received 14 referrals, providing targeted assistance to those requiring additional support.
Looking ahead
These referral numbers tell a powerful story. Behind every statistic is a person who reached out for support and a dedicated team ready to help. Together with support from our partners, our services are making a tangible difference to thousands of lives.
As demand for support continues to grow, we remain committed to working alongside partners, communities and residents to ensure everyone can access the help they need, when they need it most.
While some of our services are funded by government contracts, we offer others which are purely run by donations. Our Cycling without Age service has funding till 2027, so if you’d like to help keep it running, please consider donating.
