Redbridge police won an innovation award for an early intervention initiative which refers vulnerable people to help they need.

The 2014 Compact award ceremony, celebrating partnerships between government and charities, took place at Westminster Boating Base earlier this month and the Redbridge First Response Service won the category for creative solutions.

The first of its kind in London, the initiative sees officers use an app to refer a vulerable person on the spot to one of the 45 partner agencies.

Launched in December 2013, it was the idea of Borough Commander Sue Williams.

For example, a police officer who visits an elderly person with dementia can refer them straight to Age UK for additional support without paperwork.

Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Sue Williams said: “This is a fantastic partnership initiative which ensures front line staff can make referrals easily for vulnerable adults to ensure they are supported at the first opportunity before the demand increases on public services.

“We have had some really interesting seminars with partnership agencies which has enabled officers to work with other front line workers to understand their roles and how we can work together to keep people safe in Redbridge.”

PC Rebecca Boodle, who takes part in the scheme, said: “I think the scheme is really useful and it’s a brilliant idea that can really help vulnerable adults.

“It only takes five minutes to complete the referral but it can make all the difference to that person, by going that extra mile, it gives the public confidence that we care."