What is Social Prescribing?
Social Prescribing is made up of a range of organisations working together to provide a trusted and co-ordinated range of services to support your wellbeing. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, we want to put you in touch with the right person or organisation to support you and your family. We want you to feel ‘I’ve come to the right place’.
Why use the Social Prescribing service?
Maybe you know what’s wrong, can describe it readily and know what help you need but do not know where to find it. Or maybe, like many people, you are feeling overwhelmed and seem unable to find the way forward. Social Prescribing service aims to help you to identify one or more activities to improve your wellbeing and support you in starting it.
What happens now?
- REFERRAL: Your GP has referred you to one of our Social Prescribers. You will be telephoned within 1 week, to discuss your referral and decide if this service is suitable and appropriate for you. In this case, a further assessment appointment will be booked for you, through a telephone consultation.
- ASSESSMENT: At your appointment, you will be able to discuss your needs in more depth and focus on what matters to you. The Social Prescriber will help you to create a simple plan for yourself, understand what services are available and choose the right ones for you.
- GET STARTED: You can contact your chosen service or the Social Prescriber can call on your behalf, to arrange a start date and get more information about the activity you are prescribed to.
There is a lot of evidence that being active and involved with a community; being part of a team; and taking part in physical or creative activities can all have a really positive impact on your wellbeing and mental health.
What services are there that could support and improve my wellbeing?
· Information and Advice (managing money concerns including debt, housing issues, employment schemes etc)
· Mentoring for Young People
· Gardening and Horticultural Therapy
· Arts & Crafts
· Social & Support Groups
· Children and Family Support
· Psychological Therapies
· Counselling
· Exercise
· Volunteering
· Education & Employment
· Older People services
Generally, patients speak with a link worker 6-12 times over a three month period. The link worker will connect them with activities, groups, and services in their community for practical and emotional support to help them get back on their feet.
Patients can refer themselves to our social prescribers without the need for an appointment using the form below.