Community Navigation – Supporting Independence
At its core, Community Navigation helps people stay independent, connected, and living in their own communities.
We support individuals across Bridgend County Borough—as well as their families and carers—to access local services, information, and activities. By linking people with the right support early on, we aim to prevent issues from escalating and reduce the need for more intensive support from health or social care.
Check out the video below for more information:
What Does Our Service Do?
Our goal is to improve wellbeing by reducing loneliness and social isolation, and by connecting people to the support and opportunities available in their local community.
We help people:
Feel part of their community
Access local services, groups, and support
Improve confidence, motivation, and self-esteem
Our Community Navigators focus on what matters most to each person. Through meaningful conversations, we gain a full picture of the individual—not just the challenges they face. We often uncover underlying issues and support people in identifying their own strengths and goals.
Using a gentle, supportive approach, we help people take small, manageable steps to build confidence and reconnect with others.
🎥 Watch Vicki’s Story
This short film, produced by the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership Board, shows how our service helped Vicky rebuild confidence and make meaningful new connections.
Vicki has unfortunately passed away from cancer since the filming of this video. Our thoughts go out to all of his friends and family.
Our Community Navigators support people across the whole of Bridgend County Borough.
The Community Navigation service is funded by the Welsh Government’s Regional Integration Fund and delivered in partnership with Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership and Bridgend County Borough Council’s Resilient Connected Communities Programme.
Any adult living in Bridgend County can access the service. Referrals – or “introductions” – can come from anyone, including the individual themselves, family members, friends, carers, health or social care professionals, and third sector organisations.
Typically, the referrer will fill out a form and send through to communitynavigator@bavo.org.uk
You can find our ‘introduction’ form here.
A member of our team may get in touch with you to gather any additional information before contacting the individual directly.
For further information contact BAVO, T: 01656 810400 or E: communitynavigator@bavo.org.uk
