2025 was a busy year for our Community Home First team. As demand for safe, supported NHS hospital discharge continued to rise across Cheshire, our teams at Mid‑Cheshire Hospital (MCH) and the Countess of Chester Hospital (COCH) stepped up to deliver compassionate, person‑centred support when people needed it most. We’re proud to share this report that shows the impact our partnership has had, helping more people return home safely—and stay well.

A year of increased demand

In 2025, Community Home First supported 2,081 people, a 50% increase compared with 2024, when 1,384 individuals received help. This demand was felt across both hospital sites, including Ellesmere Port Hospital.

Patients continued to come to us predominantly from self-referrals or family referrals, as well as from therapists and discharge facilitators—showing growing awareness and trust in what the service provides.

What support do we give?

Behind every referral is a person, and most require a blend of emotional, practical, and social support. The most common reasons for referral included:

  • Daily living assistance (35%) — help with essential tasks like shopping, cleaning, and meal preparation.
  • Emotional and social support (28%) — reducing loneliness, building confidence, and reconnecting people with their communities.
  • Home safety adaptations (25%) — keysafes, pendant alarms, mobility aids, and environmental checks.
  • Health and medical-related support (12%) — medication support, hydration, nutrition, and safe discharge planning.

Our COCH team delivered some complex support this year, with over 60% of interventions involving multi-agency or narrative casework, home visits, and close coordination with families.

Meanwhile, MCH strengthened partnership pathways, with one in three interventions leading to onward referrals to organisations like Snow Angels, Healthbox, Carers Trust, and Age UK.

Outstanding social value generated

The Community Home First programme produced an estimated £3,718,507 in total social value during 2025, translating to £9.39 of social return for every £1 invested — or £8.39 net value after costs.

Tackling loneliness alone generated an additional £473,656 in social value

Partnership works

The success of this voluntary and community sector partnership demonstrates the value the sector can offer. Our partners were essential in helping people remain safe and supported at home:

  • Snow Angels supported 949 people and completed 555 home visits, a substantial increase from the previous year.
  • Healthbox provided in-home strength & balance sessions, supporting 239 people with 596 home visits.
  • Carers Trust supported 182 carers through targeted interventions.
  • Age UK, and from mid-year Neston Community Youth Centre, ensured older adults received intensive support post‑discharge.

These partnerships don’t just provide services—they restore confidence, prevent crisis, and strengthen communities.

This report highlights the difference community partnerships can make to the continued pressure on hospital discharge pathways. The Community Home First team deliver flexible, relationship‑based support designed to reduce readmission, keep people safe, well, and connected after returning home.

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE