Lewisham Council is reaching out to the 39% of people* in the borough who need support but don't get it because they don't know how.
The StartHere information service, a digital system which directs people to the range of services available to them, has been introduced to Lewisham Library.
Cllr Chris Best, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: " It doesn't matter how first-rate your services are if people in need can't access them, or are put-off because they think accessing them is too complicated. That is why StartHere is so vital - it lets people know about all the support services available."
StartHere is a user-friendly guide to services, such as housing, education, health, employment and social services, as well as being an information point for specialist, voluntary and statutory organisations.
This September three dedicated touchscreen terminals have been introduced to Lewisham Library and the StrartHere software has also be made available through the library’s PCs and wi-fi system.
The StartHere information system is designed to display information across a range of media, including touchscreen kiosks, PCs, BT street phones, hospital bedside TVs and will be shortly available on Sky TV.
One of the three touch screen terminals currently available at Lewisham Library will be moved to another community location after a trial period.
*Mori research conducted in September 2004 indicated that of the 44% of adults in England and Wales surveyed, who had a life problem, 39% did not try to get help because they didn't know how.