What is a Social Prescriber?

Social prescribers work together with GP practices to ensure that the wider needs of patients are addressed. They connect patients to groups, activities and services in their communities to meet their social, emotional and practical needs that affect their health and wellbeing.

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.

What services or activities might be able to access?

• Getting involved in local groups and activities and social afternoons
• Befriending and other support Groups
• Dealing with bereavement, retirement or new baby
• Housing, benefits and financial support and advice
• Help with transport or volunteering

How could this improve my health?  

We know that being active, engaging with others, learning something new and getting involved in the world around you can improve your mental health and wellbeing. 

How does it work?

Complete an eConsult or make an appointment directly via Reception and they will contact you to discuss what you would like to do and what is important to you.  Together you will produce a simple support plan which will give you information on local activities and services that are available to you in your local community and how to access them.

The Social Prescriber is:

• Someone to talk to in confidence
• Someone who is practical, helpful and will not judge
• Someone who can support you to make decisions on what you would like to do and what is achievable
• Someone who can find activities that will suit

The Social Prescriber is not:

• Medically trained
• A trained counsellor or therapist
• A home visiting service, befriender or support worker

We all deserve to find connection with our fellow humans, find compassion and support when we need it. Having access to a social prescriber via your GP surgery means that you don’t need to be an expert in everything your local community has to offer – just ask for help in finding the support you need, and we’ll work it out together from there. 

Life is hard sometimes. You don’t have to do it all alone.