What is social prescribing?
It is a non-medical approach to improving your health and wellbeing. It 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.
Who is it for?
Adults and young people aged 13+ who:
- feel isolated and want support to meet other people
- feel low or a bit anxious and might feel better supported joining a social group
- have a long term chronic health condition which would be helped through community activities
- need support or advice with practical issues such as money or housing
- want help and support with their wellbeing and education.
How does it work?
Social prescribing is not designed to replace medical support, but getting involved with local groups andactivities can help you get better and feel better faster than medicine alone.
Your link worker might introduce you to a community group, a new activity or a local club. They may help you to meet new people or, they might help you find information or access advice about a particular issue.
We link people into things like:
Friendship groups, sporting groups, arts and crafts, access to advice about health and wellbeing, training and education or information about managing your health.
How do I get involved?
A referral can be made by a GP on your behalf.
In summary
Once the social prescribing team receives the referral a link worker will contact you within a few days. They will arrange to meet you at a place where you feel most comfortable.
Your link worker is there to listen to you, and put you in touch with people and activities that might help you to feel better.
Together you will agree a plan to access the groups and services you have chosen which may include them coming with you for the first time.
We will contact you to check that the plan we have put in place is working for you or if you need anything else.