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What is social prescribing?

Social prescribing is a key component of Universal Personalised Care and its rollout is actively supported by the Long Term Plan NHS England.  The aim of social prescribing is to take a more holistic approach to a person’s health and wellbeing by focusing on what matters to them.  It is a way that GPs, nurses, link workers and other health and care professionals can refer people to a range of local services to meet their non-clinical needs. 

The people who could benefit most from social prescribing include those who:

  • have one or more long-term condition(s)
  • need support with low-level mental health issues
  • are lonely or isolated
  • have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing

Role of the Social Prescribing Link Worker

The Social Prescribing Link Worker works with people to connect them with local community activities and services to help improve their health and wellbeing. There are currently around 87 Social Prescribing Link Workers in Derby and Derbyshire who are employed by Primary Care Networks or by a host organisation that provides social prescribing services, such as local voluntary, community and social enterprise sector organisations that have existing links and relationships within communities. 

Green social prescribing

Green social prescribing is the practice of supporting people to engage in nature-based interventions and activities to improve their mental and physical health.

Social prescribing for young people

Thr1ve – Social Prescribing for Young People is a service for young people aged 14 to 18, or up to 25 for those with additional needs.  A group of professional link workers support young people to make positive changes to their lives and to feel connected.  The service covers North-East Derbyshire, North Hardwick and Bolsover, Royal Primary Care Chesterfield and South Hardwick Primary Care Networks.

More information and useful links

Last Updated: Wednesday 26th June 2024 - 11:00:am

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