How Social Prescribing Works

The social prescribing team can be contacted directly on 01205 314479 or through the GP, nurse, social worker, or job coach. Once details have been received a Social Prescribing Link Worker will make contact and arrange to meet up.

The Link Worker will support an individual to think about what’s working well for them and what changes they would like to make. They will help to shape some goals and plan how to move toward achieving them. Link workers will help in finding organisations and activities in the local community, and will support individuals to attend them until they feel settled. Continue to work with someone until their goals have been achieved, this usually takes around 12 weeks but sometimes it takes a little less or more time. Support an individual to understand their progress and celebrate the changes they have been able to make in moving towards their goals.

Once a person’s goals have been identified the team member will look for local groups and activities that would support the person to achieve them. When a group or activity is identified the team member will contact the group to check what they offer and whether they are looking for new members.

The team member will ask questions about the group, how it’s run and whether they would have any concerns about new members who are being supported by the social prescribing team.

You can download the referral form here.

All participants receive a welcome letter which will introduce the service, confirm consent and ensure that the person understands what will happen next. A link worker will contact the person by phone to assess need, provide information on local organisations and discuss how social prescribing could provide further support. During face to face sessions the link worker will support the creation of a personalised support plan. They will support the person to access local organisations and activities that will help them to achieve goals they have set.

Guide for Organisations

Download Guide Document