What is social prescribing?
It is a means of enabling primary care services to refer patients with social, emotional or practical needs to a range of local, non-clinical services, often provided by the voluntary and community sector. It is about linking people up to activities in the community that they might benefit from and connecting people to non-medical sources of support. There is increasing evidence to support the use of social interventions for people experiencing a range of common health problems.
A fifth of GP time is spent dealing with patients’ social problems, such as debt, isolation, housing, and employment. The aim of the practice is to empower the practice team by breaking down the barriers with other sectors, whether social care, community care or mental health providers, so that social prescribing becomes a normal part of our role as a primary care medical practice.
The Patient Services Team at Hope Farm have undergone extensive sign posting training and have a huge amount of knowledge and experience to offer patients. If you are struggling with any social problem such as loneliness, debt or housing problems please speak to a member of the Patient Services Team to ensure we can refer you to the correct professional to help resolve your problem; this may not require an appointment with a GP if we can help intervene at an early stage.
Within the Patient Service Team at Hope Farm we have a Wellbeing Coordinator, Carer Links and Dementia Links to assist you in accessing the correct professional. But what does each of these roles do?
Social Presribing Service Prescription
If you have been referred to the Social Prescribing Service, you can view their ‘digital flyer” here, with more information about what that means.
Wellbeing Coordinator
“As part of the Wellbeing Service for Hope Farm, I can help patients to build personal resilience and manage their health and wellbeing. I can support patients through signposting and direct referrals to a range of services. This can help reduce personal concerns and problems that may be affecting a person’s health and wellbeing generally.
I have worked in the Health and Social Care sector for over 20 years, roles which have included generic and special needs advice and guidance, recovery and prevention work, mental health, homelessness and domestic abuse. These roles have focused on guidance, enablement, advocacy and well-being.
I offer support, signposting and referrals with:
Loneliness and isolation
Mental health and wellbeing
Support for Carers
Housing and welfare
Money advice and benefits
Positive community activities and groups
Domestic abuse
Training, volunteering and employment
If you would like support, then please ask the surgery to arrange an appointment with me.”
Carer Links
Within the practice we have Carer Links who help to identify and support carers within the practice and ensure you are able to receive a range of support on offer and are able to refer you to the Carers Trust for more 1-2-1 support. If you would like more support or assistance as a carer please ask to speak with a Carer Link.
Dementia Links
Within the practice we have two dementia links that can help to support people with dementia or who are caring for someone with dementia by signposting them to a range of services available or local organisations or activities. If you are affected by dementia in anyway and would like some advice and support please ask to speak to one of our Dementia Links.