Social Prescribing

Going beyond medicine.

 

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 isolated, 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 an individual decide what they would like to do to improve their own health, wellbeing and independence

  • Someone who can find you activities that will suit an individual's needs

  • Someone who can give support

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 activies

  • Accessing specialist services and support

Health & Wellbeing Social Prescribing

Provided directly by the PCN, our Health & Wellbeing Prescribers can help with:

  • Arts, music, outdoors and creativity

  • Befriending, counselling and other support groups

  • Smoking cessation

  • Weight management

  • Healthy eating

  • Exercise and movement

  • Low mood

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.