Refer an older person to THFN
You can refer someone aged 55 or over who lives in Tower Hamlets and is experiencing loneliness or social isolation. Referrals come from GPs, social workers, hospital teams, social prescribers, housing officers, family members, neighbours — and from people referring themselves. There can sometimes be a waiting list.
Before you start the form
The form takes about five to ten minutes. You will need:
- The person’s name, address, date of birth and contact details
- A brief description of their situation and what they would like help with
- Their consent to be referred (we cannot accept referrals without it, except in safeguarding situations — see below)
- Any language, mobility or access needs we should know about
What happens next
- We will acknowledge your referral within seven working days.
- A member of our team will contact the person within fourteen working days to arrange a first visit or call.
- The first visit is a conversation. We talk through what kind of support would help, agree the day and time of regular visits, and answer any questions.
- Once visits are underway, we review how things are going regularly with the person we are supporting.
Safeguarding referrals
If you are worried that someone is at immediate risk of harm, please contact Tower Hamlets Adult Social Care or, in an emergency, call 999. THFN is not an emergency service.
Information for professional referrers
We work closely with GP surgeries, hospital discharge teams, the Tower Hamlets GP Care Group, social prescribing link workers, district nurses, hospital social work teams, and statutory adult social care. We are listed on the Tower Hamlets directory of services. If your team would like a briefing on our work or a referral pathway agreement, contact our Chief Executive Rita Chadha at [email protected]