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Family Navigators
Family
Navigators
HCL’s Family Navigators work across referrals from our member GP practices, stepping in to help families with complex needs access the right services and support.
What are Family Navigators and what can they do?
What
are
Family
Navigators
and
what
can
they
do?
Family Navigators build relationships with families and help them access key services when needed, like education, health or housing services.
They’re also linking points between schools and GP practices, and act as a first point of contact for families to help build a community network around them.
The Family Navigators are employed by Westminster Council, and the service is funded by the HCL Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS), until April 1, 2025.
Who do Family Navigators help?
Who
do
Family
Navigators
help?
Skilled in outreach, they help families who may be struggling to engage with services that can help them. Working sensitively across a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures, they work with people managing complex needs within their family unit.
What can you expect from meetings with a Family Navigator?
What
can
you
expect
from
meetings
with
a
Family
Navigator?
Their work with families in need can look like:
- Creating a family plan with check-ins to move towards better care
- Signposting parents and guardians towards specialised services
- Building and co-ordinating a support team around families
- Organising meetings with relevant support services
- Registering families with key services
How do I get a first appointment with a Family Navigator?
How
do
I
get
a
first
appointment
with
a
Family
Navigator?
GPs usually make referrals to the Family Navigator service (if they think it would be helpful). It’s something they can talk you through briefly before making the referral, during a GP appointment for yourself, or somebody you have caring responsibilities for, such as a child.
- Family Navigators work across all four primary care networks within the Healthcare Central London Federation.
- You can request an appointment with a GP to discuss being referred to the Family Navigator service either by phone, or PATCHS. For more information on how to use PATCHS for booking online appointments, click here.
- If you need any help with accessing or changing an appointment, email us at hcl.contactus@nhs.net. We may take up to two working days to get back to you once you’ve emailed us.
What do patients say about the service?
What
do
patients
say
about
the
service?
“My navigator was always there for me and my daughter when needed, she helped me through a very difficult time.”
What are some of the benefits of having Family Navigators in our member practices?
What
are
some
of
the
benefits
of
having
Family
Navigators
in
our
member
practices?
Working through difficult circumstances and emotions with families, Family Navigators build trust and openness with patients.
They are trained to spot issues early, directing families towards solutions that prevent problems escalating into crisis. In doing so, they also help to loosen pressure on wider services.
Where can I get information on job opportunities within the Family Navigator team?
Where
can
I
get
information
on
job
opportunities
within
the
Family
Navigator
team?
Family Navigator that serve HCL’s member practice communities are employed by Westminster City Council. To find roles within this team, please visit their vacancy search page.
For other roles, we publish the latest HCL job opportunities on our Careers page and LinkedIn profile.