What is a social prescriber?

A social prescriber plays a key role in universal personalised care. Here in East Kennet Primary Care Network (EKPCN), Social Prescribers are part of the Wellbeing team who work alongside Care Coordinators, Health and Wellbeing Coach and Mental Health Practitioners.

A Social Prescriber can connect people to groups, activities and services within the community to help meet the practical, social and emotional needs that effect peoples health and wellbeing.

Services and Support offered by a Social Prescriber:

• Connecting you to the local community if you are feeling lonely and isolated

• If you have recently been diagnosed with a long-term illness and would like some help finding support in the community

• Support and advice navigating the benefits system and

• Mental health support and advice with coping mechanisms to help manage anxiety, depression and low mood

• Connecting you to the community and finding local groups and hobbies

• Care needs support and sign posting

The role of a social prescriber

There has been lots of research that indicates that people’s health and wellbeing is determined and effected by a range of social, economical, and biological factors. Due to this research the NHS has recognised the importance of treating individuals’ health and wellbeing through a holistic person-centred approach. A social prescriber’s role is to focus on the non- clinical and social economical factors that determine health.

As a social prescriber our main role is to work as ‘link’ between patients and their holistic needs. For example, if you are feeling isolated, a social prescriber could help to set you up with local groups within your community. For individuals who may feel a bit apprehensive, a social prescriber can also offer support in attending their initial session with a social club.

The responsibilities of a social prescriber extend beyond simply linking individuals with community resources. In many cases, a social prescriber serves as a supportive advocate, offering guidance and motivation across a range of challenges that individuals may encounter. The primary objective of a social prescriber is to empower patients by equipping them with the necessary tools to effectively address their personal, social, and healthcare needs.

Struggling to manage anxiety and mental health

If you're dealing with intense anxiety and depression, your first stop should be our PCN's mental health practitioners. For those facing milder mental health issues and anxiety, our social prescribing team is here to help. Our social prescribers can sit down with you for an initial chat to understand your current challenges and work together to set personalised goals. A social prescriber can provide advice to support you in reaching your objectives and offer valuable tips for managing anxiety effectively. At East Kennet PCN, our aim is to make your mental health journey more accessible and supportive.

Connected to the community

Social prescribers dedicate a significant amount of time engaging with the community and building strong partnerships with local support groups, the community hospital, and other public services. We actively seek out new community initiatives, ranging from exercise and singing groups to arts and crafts gatherings or support groups tailored to specific illnesses and disabilities.

As a result, our social prescribers are well-equipped to guide you to the right community support that aligns with both your care needs and personal interests. Keep an eye out for your local social prescriber; we frequently participate in community group sessions and remain accessible to provide advice on how to initiate support referrals via your GP surgery.

Care needs and support

Social prescribers collaborate well with our Care Coordinators who possess valuable knowledge about the processes involved in applying for care needs assessments. If you need assistance, a Social Prescriber can refer you to a Care Coordinator, especially for information on setting up specialised equipment in your home.

For those dealing with a recent diagnosis of a long-term illness such as dementia or diabetes, Social Prescribers offer additional support. With strong ties to local community support and community nurses, they can connect you with groups like Alzheimer’s community groups or bereavement support groups.

Financial and benefits advice

Following your initial assessment, a Social Prescriber can assist you in navigating the benefits system. Understanding the complexities of this system can be challenging, but your Social Prescriber is well-equipped to offer support and guide you to experts and online platforms for information. For instance, they can direct you to valuable resources like benefits calculators, the Citizens Advice Bureau, or provide helpful advice and tips for filling out benefits forms. Your social prescriber is committed to making the benefits process more accessible and manageable for you.

How to access a social prescriber or self refer

If you are registered within one of our East Kennet PCN practices (listed below) and interested in connecting with your local Social Prescriber then fill in the form within our Contact Us page on this website.

*Please note any messages by Contact Us page is deemed non urgent, for urgent needs, please contact your GP practice.

KAMP medical practice (Marlborough and Pewsey) - 01672 512187

Burbage surgery - 01672 810566

The old school house surgery (Great Bedwyn) - 01672 870388

Ramsbury Surgery - 01672 520366

Written by Josie Hopkins