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.
Our in-house 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. The community intersest organisation (CIO) Forum support link workers locally, and have created a video explaining a little more about what social prescribing is, and what link workers do.
How can a Social Prescriber help you?
Many things affect your health and wellbeing. A lot of people visit GP practices feeling isolated or lonely. Or they might be stressed out by work, money and housing problems. Sometimes it’s the stress of managing different long-term conditions or mental health problems. That’s where social prescribing comes in.
What can I expect?
It starts with a friendly, confidential conversation with one of our social prescribers, talking about things that are important to you and the struggles you may be facing. The first conversation will usually last up to 45 minutes. You will then make a plan together, looking at what changes you want to make and look at suitable options.
How you want to work with them is up to you. You may just need pointing in the right direction, or you may feel you want to keep in touch with her more regularly.
They may introduce you to a community group, a new activity or a local club. Or she may help you find legal advice or debt counselling.
She may just help you find information and guidance about your situation or what local resources there are. They could even support you to start something new such as a gardening club, a fishing group, a ‘men’s shed’ or knit and natter group. Social prescribing can help you to have more control over your own health and find ways to improve how you feel in a way that suits you. Studies show that people get better and feel better faster than those treated with medicine alone. And because it works, it’s happening more and more – including here in this area.
Getting in touch
Appointments are available at the Haxby practices, 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 website.