What is social prescribing?
Social prescribing is an approach that connects people to activities, groups, and services in their community to meet the practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing.
As a practice we can refer people to a social prescribing link worker. Social prescribing link workers give people time, focusing on ‘what matters to me?’ to coproduce a simple personalised care and support plan, and support people to take control of their health and wellbeing.
Social prescribing link workers also support existing community groups to be accessible and sustainable, and help people to start new groups, working collaboratively with all local partners.
What is social prescribing?
A lot of people visit their GP feeling frustrated, lonely or stressed due to many issues.
This is where a Social Prescriber comes in. We will work with you one on one to help you to connect with services, activities, support and opportunities in your local area.
A social prescriber is someone:
· To talk to confidentially
· Who is practical, helpful and will not judge you.
· Who can help you decide what you’d like to do to improve your health, wellbeing, and independence.
· Who can find you activities that will suit you.
· Who can give you support along the way.
How does it work?
If you think that you would benefit from our help and support please speak to a member of staff at the surgery for a referral or you can refer yourself (please contact a member of the Reception Team). Once a referral has been made, the referral coordinator will contact you with more information about an appointment.
You will then be contacted by a Social Prescriber and offered an extended appointment (either face to face or via telephone).
Your Social Prescriber can support you for up to 6 sessions and help you to make positive changes to improve your health and wellbeing.
What can they help with?
Their work is tailored to you, so that you can get support in a range of areas such as:
· Loneliness/befriending support
· Mental Wellbeing
· Money worries
· Social Activities/Groups
· Social Isolation
· Bereavement
Getting in touch
If you would like to speak to someone about the service we offer, please call 01723 360835 or talk to your GP or clinician when next visiting the surgery.
Appointments are available at the surgery, so please ask your GP or ask one of the receptionists who will be happy to refer you. For more information about social prescribing visit the NHS England Social Prescribing Webpage.