Social Prescriber

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What is Social Prescribing?

Social prescribing is a national NHS England programme, and is a way for local agencies to refer people to a link worker.

Link workers give people time, focusing on ‘what matters to me’ 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.

Social prescribing works for a wide range of people, including those:

• 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

Southern Brooks, in partnership with DHI, has been commissioned to deliver support within GP Practices in South Gloucestershire. Our Social Prescribing Link Workers are based within the Practice, and GPs can refer patients directly to them. Patients are offered 4-6 one-to-one appointments with their Link Worker, who will help them to access relevant services, support, and community groups. NHS England has produced a summary guide to Social Prescribing, which you can read HERE. If you would like to be referred to a Social Prescribing Link Worker, please speak to your GP.

Green Prescribing

It is being increasingly recognised that a detachment from the natural world is contributing to ill health and psychological distress in the modern world.

Green prescribing (being in natural landscapes) and blue prescribing (being close to water) are areas that our social prescriber can help with. This involves encouraging people to get outside and interact with natural landscape promoting health and wellbeing. Further information can be found here

The Social Prescribers for Hanham Health are Clive and Jo.

If you would like to be referred to the Social Prescribing service please just speak with a member of our team.