Tower Hamlets: idea store

Enabling informed choices

A key element of delivering universal services is enabling residents to make informed choices about how current and future care and support needs can be met.

The availability of timely and understandable information can enable residents to make more effective use of preventative and mainstream services. Good information strategies can reduce the number of residents who require support on a un-planned basis following a breakdown in care arrangements.

The Idea Store concept

Tower Hamlets has transformed its existing library provision into Idea Stores. In addition to book lending, the Idea Stores offer advice, internet access and dedicated surgeries covering job advice, CAB, legal advice, early years and golden years.

Staff have been trained to offer a wide range of advice and assistance, including a specific signposting service and access to formal social care assessments.

The stores provide a welcoming physical environment and are well placed geographically across the borough. The stores are specifically designed to enable users with special needs to access the full range of information available to them.