We understand that looking after yourself means focusing on more than just your physical health. Many of life’s problems can make you feel unwell. Our Social Prescriber Link Workers work alongside GP’s and Nurses to help you get extra support. They will take time to chat to you about how you’re feeling and what matters to you. They can support you to explore options in your community to help you improve your wellbeing and help you to plan those next steps.
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.
Why Social Prescribing?
There is growing evidence that social prescribing can lead to a range of positive health and wellbeing outcomes. Studies show improvements in quality of life and emotional wellbeing, mental and general wellbeing, and improvements to levels of depression and anxiety.
Aswell as this, it was found that patients accessing Social Prescribing needed to see their GP less by an average of 28% and attended the A&E Department less by 24%*
*Evidence summary published by the University of Westminster
What people say…
‘I told my GP I felt lonely and Social Prescribing helped me meet new people at a friendship group, I go every week.’
‘I was struggling with money and they helped me get the right advice.’
‘I wanted to get back to work so they helped me find out about volunteering as the first step.’
What can we support you with?
We can support you with the different methodologies displayed in the graphic below:
How does it work?
Social Prescribing is not designed to replace medical support, but getting involved with local groups and activities can help you get better and feel better faster than medicine alone.
Your Link Worker might help you find information or access advice about a particular issue, or they might introduce you to a community group, a new activity, or a local club.
We link people into things like:
Friendship groups, walking groups, arts & crafts, community gardening, access to advice about housing or debt, training & volunteering, information about managing your health
How do I get support and advice?
If you are 18 years old or over and registered with one of the i3 practices, to access the Social Prescribing Service, please ask your GP or any member of staff at the Practice for a referral or contact us directly, in confidence.
We will then be in touch with you.
The i3 Social Prescribing Link Worker Team is :-
Adnan Sarwar – Church Road Surgery
Adnan Sarwar – Victoria Road Medical Centre
Adnan Sarwar – Heathfield Family Centre
Sushma Karra-Hussain – Rotton Park Medical Centre
Sushma Karra-Hussain – Summerfield Group Practice
Sushma Karra-Hussain – Hockley Medical Practice
Sushma Karra-Hussain – Saini and Saini – Soho Medical Services
Sushma Karra-Hussain – Dr Bathla and Partners
Javeria Ziker – Newtown Medical Centre
Can I change my mind?
Social Prescribing is completely voluntary. If at any time you decide that the service is not for you then, just let your Social Prescriber worker know.
For more information, please speak to the Social Prescribing Link Worker from your registered Practice.