New programme launched to support Derbyshire’s 80‑plus social prescribers
Social prescribers across Derby and Derbyshire have kicked off a new training programme to increase their professional development and give them access to peer support.
The year-long initiative aims to strengthen peer support, improve wellbeing and highlight the impact the region’s 80-plus social prescribers make every day.
Funded by The Hub Plus Derbyshire, the programme gives social prescribers time and space to connect as a network. It offers moments to pause, reflect, share experiences and learn from one another. It also celebrates the difference social prescribers make to patients and communities.
Dr Penny Blackwell, Chair and Clinical Director for Neighbourhood Health and Care, Derby and Derbyshire ICB, said: “I’m very grateful to The Hub Plus for working with me to design a forum for our incredible social prescribers in Derby and Derbyshire.
“We know that 70% of our health concerns arise due to the wider determinants of health, such as loneliness & isolation, poor housing, inactivity, access to employment and education, financial constraints. Our social prescribers manage all of these and more, seeing some of the most challenging and complex people every day and become masters of flexibility and personalisation.
“We know this improves mental, physical and emotional health and reduces demand on services. But social prescribers are variably supported, and some don’t receive any clinical supervision or debrief time or have the opportunity to connect with their peers to learn from and support one another. This programme is about changing that.”
The programme includes three face‑to‑face wellbeing and development days. Each session focuses on a different stage of growth: ‘Self’, ‘Team’ and ‘Leadership’. The sessions build on each other and give people dedicated time to grow, connect and reflect.
It also includes quarterly online study sessions to give social prescribers the knowledge and resources they need to support patients well.
A new quarterly Social Prescribing newsletter will also share experiences, successes, learning and real examples of how they can reduce pressure on clinical teams.
Social prescribing is already changing lives across Derbyshire. In Bolsover, people have overcome long‑term isolation by joining walking groups and community activities. In Derby, young adults with severe anxiety have started volunteering in community cafés, building confidence that has led to education and work.
In the High Peak, carers have accessed respite and rebuilt their wellbeing. In the Derbyshire Dales, older residents have found new purpose through arts groups, exercise classes and social clubs. In Chesterfield, social prescribers have helped people in crisis find safe housing and stabilise their lives.
ICB Chair Dr Kathy Mclean recently visited Amber Valley CVS, where a team of social prescribers is based.
Dr Susie Bayley, Programme Director at The Hub Plus Derbyshire, said: “Social prescribers are the quiet revolutionaries in our system. They help people find purpose, rebuild confidence and reconnect with their communities. We’ve seen them guide people from crisis to stability. This programme gives them the same care and connection they offer others.”
Judith Kelf, a social prescriber at Belper PCN, said: “It’s really exciting to have this forum where we can get together with other social prescribers and develop our network and learning. We haven’t had that opportunity to meet others doing the same role until now and it will massively help us to expand our skillsets and learn from each other.
“Social prescribing is a very rewarding role, we genuinely help people with significant issues every day. But it can be hard work keeping on top of lots of change, so to have the support of peers is invaluable.”
Upcoming dates:
- Team Development – 12 May 2026 (venue TBC)
- Leadership Development – 17 November 2026 (venue TBC)
Anyone who missed the first session is encouraged to join the next one. Social prescribers can contact ddlmc.thehubplus@nhs.net to book a place or find out more.