Introducing Here to Help: Peterborough’s new Social Prescribing Chatbot

Finding the right support can be difficult when life feels complicated. Whether someone is dealing with loneliness, money worries, housing concerns, caring responsibilities or a need for greater independence, the answer is rarely found in one place.

That is why Datnexa is proud of the work we have done with Peterborough City Council in the design, build and deployment of their new Social Prescribing Chatbot, ‘Here to Help’. ‘Here to Help’ provides residents, carers and professionals with a simpler way to explore local support and identify practical next steps.

A more human starting point

People do not experience life in service categories. They may be worried about an older relative, struggling to meet household costs, feeling isolated after a change in circumstances, or looking for an activity that helps them feel connected again.

‘Here to Help’ allows people to begin with what matters to them, in their own words. Rather than needing to know which department, referral route or organisation to approach first, users can describe their situation through a natural conversation.

The chatbot then asks appropriate follow-up questions, helping it understand the person’s circumstances before directing them towards relevant local services, activities, information and sources of support. It checks suitability and eligibility where needed, and provides clear, practical next steps. 

For example, a resident who says they have recently retired, feel isolated and want to meet new people can be guided towards local groups, activities and community-based support,  without having to search multiple websites or make several calls.

Supporting prevention and independence

Social prescribing is about recognising that health and wellbeing are shaped by far more than clinical care. Community connection, financial security, housing, practical support and access to local activity can all make a meaningful difference to someone’s ability to live well.

‘Here to Help’ has been designed to make this support easier to find, earlier. By offering a straightforward digital route to trusted local information, the chatbot can help people take action before challenges escalate.

For Peterborough City Council, this means an opportunity to:

- Extend access to information and support for residents, carers and professionals.

- Encourage early intervention and self-service where this is appropriate.

- Help people navigate a complex local support landscape more easily.

- Reduce avoidable pressure on already-stretched frontline services.

- Build a clearer picture of unmet needs, gaps in provision and areas where local support could be strengthened. 

This is not about replacing the relationships at the heart of social prescribing. It is about making the first step less daunting, ensuring people can find a relevant route into support when they need it.

Designed for safety, not shortcuts

AI in public services must be useful, but it must also be safe, accountable and designed around clear boundaries.

‘Here to Help’ is built on a trusted knowledge base of local services, activities and actions. It has been designed to respond supportively, to ask clarifying questions and to guide people towards relevant options - not to diagnose, make clinical decisions or replace professional judgement. 

Crucially, the chatbot includes safeguarding guardrails. Where a conversation indicates potential risks such as abuse or self-harm, it is designed to direct the person towards real human support rather than attempting to manage a crisis itself. Ongoing monitoring, knowledge-base updates and risk flagging are also part of the approach, recognising that safe digital tools require active stewardship. 

Built with Peterborough

‘Here to Help’ reflects Datnexa’s approach to public-sector innovation: start with a real local challenge, work alongside the people who understand it best, and develop technology that fits the realities of public service delivery.

‘Here to Help’ was developed in conjunction with Peterborough City Council and is designed to help residents, carers and professionals access relevant local support through a guided conversation. 

It also builds on a growing collaboration between Datnexa and Peterborough City Council to use carefully designed AI where it can make a practical difference. The partnership has previously developed specialist tools such as Hey Geraldine, an AI assistant that helps social care professionals access technology-enabled care guidance more quickly. 

Try ‘Here to Help’ and Find Out More

‘Here to Help’ is a new way for people in Peterborough to explore the support available to them, starting with their situation, their priorities and what matters most in everyday life. To try ‘Here to Help’ use this link.  

To find out more about the Social Prescribing Chatbot design, how it works, its safety features or to book a discovery call, to learn more about how it can be tailored for local deployment, click here.