What is social prescribing?
It’s estimated that one in five of the people who go to see their GP are troubled by things that can’t be cured by medical treatment.
GPs tell us that they spend significant amounts of time dealing with the effects of poor housing, debt, stress and loneliness.
Many people are overwhelmed and can’t reach out to make the connections that could make a difference to their situation.
This is especially true for people who have long-term conditions, who need support with their mental health, who are lonely, or who have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing.
A social prescriber can motivate and support individuals to achieve the change(s) that they want to achieve.
The social prescriber is:
Someone to talk to confidentially
Someone who is practical, helpful and who will not judge
Someone who can help you decide what you would like to do to improve your own health, wellbeing and independence
Someone who can find you activities that will suit an individual’s needs
Someone who can give support
What does it involve?
Patients are offered a number of one to one sessions, depending on their individual needs.
Social prescribers adopt a personalised approach to each patient’s circumstances and needs, understanding what matters to them and what their priorities are.
From this a plan is developed to build their confidence in tackling any day to day issues, connect them to appropriate services and support and enable them to make informed choices moving forward.
Bromsgrove Primary Care Network has social prescribers who can link you with many services in the community to help. We have two teams, specialising in different areas of care and assistance:
Adult Social Prescribing
Provided by Bromsgrove District Council, our Adult Social Prescribers can help with:
Housing benefits and financial support and advice
Employment, training and volunteering
Education and learning
Getting involved in local groups and activities
Accessing specialist services and support
Self-refer phone number for adult social prescribing: 0300 303 5291