Social
Prescribing
Connecting people to community groups and statutory services
What is Social Prescribing?
Around one in five GP visits are for non-medical problems. Many things that affect our health can’t be treated by doctors or medicine alone, such as loneliness, money worries, problems with housing, education or employment status.
Recognising that people’s health and wellbeing are determined mostly by a range of social, economic and environmental factors, social prescribing seeks to address people’s needs in a non-clinical, holistic way. It also aims to support individuals to take greater control of their own health, supporting people with a wide range of social, emotional or practical needs.
Social Prescribing Link workers (aka Social Prescribers) give people time, focusing on ‘what matters to me?’ enabling people to take control of their own health and wellbeing.
To access our Social Prescribing service, you first speak to someone at your GP Practice; such as a GP/Practice nurse/Reception team – whilst we operate a Social Prescribing service across Birmingham and North Solihull, please check the map below to see if your surgery is one that we provide a service for.
We deliver the Social Prescribing service across Birmingham and North Solihull. Working with 8 PCNs covering over 50 GP practices, we are the largest provider of NHS Social Prescribing across the West Midlands. Our Social Prescribers are based in GP surgeries, where they offer one-to-one support working with patients aged over 18, to take control of their health and wellbeing, connecting people to activities, groups, and services in their community to meet the practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing.
Who Can Benefit from Social Prescribing?
Worries about money, housing or employment?
You may be worried about money, need help seeking housing support, concerns about employment, we know these can create stress and make it harder to focus on other areas of your wellbeing. These challenges can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for help.
Feeling lonely, isolated, or experiencing a low mood?
Loneliness and isolation can have a significant impact on your mental health. Feeling disconnected from others or experiencing a prolonged low mood can affect your ability to engage with day-to-day life and create a sense of helplessness.
Managing a new or ongoing health condition?
Dealing with a new diagnosis or managing a long-term health condition can bring about uncertainty and stress. You might find it difficult to adjust to the impact it has on your daily life, relationships, and overall mental and physical wellbeing.
Facing life changes, such as bereavement, job loss, or a relationship breakdown?
Major life changes such as the loss of a loved one, job loss, or a relationship breakdown can disrupt your sense of stability and identity, leaving you in need of support to process your emotions and find a way forward.
Looking to get more active or involved in your community?
If you’re looking to make positive changes by becoming more active or involved with your local community, you might feel uncertain about where to start or how to connect with others who share your interests.
What Can Social Prescribing Offer?
Social prescribing connects you to a wide variety of community-based activities and services designed to improve your overall wellbeing and help you thrive. Here’s what social prescribing can offer:
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Health and Wellbeing
Engage in activities that support your physical and mental health, such as yoga, walking groups, gardening, or creative workshops. These activities help reduce stress, boost mood, and improve overall fitness.
Support Services
Access vital support for issues such as caring responsibilities, bereavement, domestic abuse, or relationship difficulties. Social prescribing connects you to services that offer emotional support and practical assistance tailored to your needs.
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Advice and Guidance
Get expert advice on financial matters, housing support, or employment resources. Whether you need help with budgeting, finding housing, or job searching, social prescribing can direct you to resources that provide essential guidance.
Social and Volunteering Opportunities
Build social connections and gain valuable experience through volunteering, befriending groups, or peer support activities. These opportunities help you expand your social network and develop new skills, all while contributing to your community.
How does Social Prescribing work?
1.Referral
The process begins when your GP/Practice nurse/Reception staff identifies that a patient’s health concerns may be influenced by social, economic, or environmental factors. Recognising that medical treatment alone may not address these issues, they are able to refer an individual into the Social Prescribing service.
2.Connect
Once referred, the social prescriber conducts a simple yet-thorough assessment to creating a plan with the patient’s wants and needs at the centre, working with them to understand their particular circumstances, needs, and goals. This person-centred approach ensures that the support provided aligns with what matters most to the individual. The social prescriber then connects the individual to relevant community-based activities, groups, or services, such as exercise classes, creative workshops, or peer support groups.
3. Support
The social prescriber continues to offer time-limited guidance as the individual engages with these community resources. This ensures the individual can integrate these activities into their daily routine, improving their health and wellbeing. The social prescriber may also monitor progress during the time a case is open to them, ensuring the individual remains connected to the right resources for sustained improvement in their health and wellbeing.
Hear from Those We’ve Helped
Social prescribing has transformed lives by connecting individuals to the support and activities they need. Here’s what some of our clients have to say:
Read the latest client story here:
Safe Spaces and New Connections: Peter’s Story
In the UK, loneliness and social isolation are recognised as serious health concerns. According to the Campaign to End Loneliness, over 3.8 million adults report...