Social prescribing is a way for your GP practice to refer patients to a social prescribing link Worker. These link workers give people time, focusing on ‘what matters to them’ and taking a holistic approach to people’s health and wellbeing. They connect people to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support.
In essence our hope is that this service enables us to help patients social and emotional well being, before any issues progress into more serious medical problems.
What is social prescribing?
Social prescribing can take multiple forms and it entirely depends on that patients identified needs. It could be linking an isolated member of the community with a group that fits their interest, or linking family struggling financially with the appropriate agencies or anything in between.
The key is that the social prescribing link worker will work with the patient to identify their needs and link them to the appropriate service, agency or community groups.
How to get involved
Someone from the GP practice may ask you if you would like to referred to the social prescribing link worker or you may of course ask the GP practice yourself for a referral, either on the phone, in-person or through eConsult.
Your conversations with the social prescriber are entirely confidential and with them you will discuss options that may make you feel happier and healthier.
Your social prescribing link worker will guide you through the various options available to you in your area and discuss how to get involved. After this you will also receive follow up appointments, to see how you are getting on with your social prescription.