What is Near Me?
Near Me is the national video calling service, used widely in the NHS, Social Security Scotland and in some Local Authorities and Social Work Services. Near Me is free, easy to use and provides immediate connections. It works on any device with a camera and microphone. It supports both 1:1 and group calls.
Why use Near Me?
Near Me is the only video consultation platform approved by the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland for use with citizens.
Near Me has been approved as confidential and safe by the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland. No Near Me calls are ever recorded, and no personal information is stored by the platform. All recipients do not need to download an App or create an account to use Near Me.
Scottish Prison Service is committed to using Near Me.
Dedicated technical support is available from the National Virtual Consultation Service. Their contact details can be found here.
What can Near Me add to social work in prisons?
Video is powerful in developing, strengthening and supporting relationships.
The opportunity to meet key workers ahead of release and at times of distress becomes more feasible by removing the need to physically visit the prison.
It supports multi agency meetings with the Prisoner by enabling the Social Worker to add others as required (such as housing and benefits).
Near Me is environmentally friendly as it can reduce or eliminate travel time and journeys for staff who are under considerable workload pressure
Support improved outcomes by building confidence in the use of technology
Where is Near Me currently available to Social Work?
- HMP & YOI Stirling
- HMP Glenochil
Near Me in Justice Case Studies
Please find below a number of case studies to date around the use of near me in the prison estate:
- Near Me Set Up (pdf)
- Near Me supporting a service user with Housing (pdf)
- Near Me and the benefits of having ‘eyes on’ a service user (pdf)
- Near Me use by an Independent Advocate (pdf)
Jump links… Overview – Context and Objectives – Supporting Social Work – Getting Started – Setting up a Call – Training and Learning – Key Contacts – FAQs – Developing your Near Me Process