Many patients present to their GP with are not always directly medical, which is where social prescribing can be useful. Social prescribing looks both at lifestyle elements that will help people’s physical health and social elements which will specifically target loneliness and social isolation.
Please watch the short video below to find out how social prescribing can help you.
What is a Social Prescribing Link Worker?
Social prescribing link workers help to reduce health inequalities by supporting people to unpick complex issues affecting their wellbeing. They enable people to have more control over their lives, develop skills and give their time to others, through involvement in community groups. Link workers visit people in their homes, where needed.
Together you will be able to:
- Explore what is important for your life and wellbeing
- Identify the local activities and services you can benefit from
- Gain support and encouragement to start using services that can help you
The Wellbeing Prescriber is:
- Someone to talk to confidentially
- Someone who is practical and helpful and who will not judge you
- Someone who can help you decide what you’d like to do to feel healthier
- Someone who can find you activities that will suit you and, if you want, who can go along with you to them to start with so that you don’t have to go on your own
- Someone who can advise you on how to arrange appointments with medical services at times that suit you
- Someone who can give you support along the way
Social prescribing can link you with many services in your community to help. These may include:
- Healthy lifestyles and active lives
- Arts, music, outdoors and creativity
- Befriending, counselling and other support groups
- Housing, benefits and financial support and advice
- Employment, training and volunteering
- Education and learning
- Getting involved in local groups and activities
- Accessing specialist services and support
Is Social Prescribing right for me?
Social prescribing works for a wide range of people, including people:
- with one or more long-term conditions
- who need support with their mental health
- who are lonely or isolated
- who have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing
For further information and/or a referral to social prescribing please contact a member of your GP Practice team who will be happy to assist.
