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Find A Professional
What is a Social Prescriber?
Role Definition
A social prescriber is a healthcare professional who works within the community to help individuals address non-medical factors affecting their health and well-being. Operating in the United Kingdom, social prescribers play a pivotal role in linking patients with various support services, activities, and community resources.
Duties and Responsibilities
Social prescribers typically provide personalized support by assessing an individual’s needs and preferences. Their duties can include:
- Conducting one-on-one sessions to discuss the patient’s issues and goals.
- Creating an individualized plan that connects the patient to community resources such as exercise classes, support groups, or volunteering opportunities.
- Following up to ensure the patient is benefiting from the prescribed activities and services.
Benefits of Social Prescribing
Social prescribing has several key benefits:
- Reduces isolation and loneliness by connecting individuals to community networks.
- Improves mental health by offering activities that enhance well-being.
- Offers support for managing chronic conditions and improving quality of life.
- Reduces pressure on the NHS by offering non-clinical interventions that can alleviate certain health issues.
How to Access Social Prescribing Services
In the UK, social prescribing services can be accessed through your general practitioner (GP) or other health and social care professionals. Patients are typically referred to a social prescribing link worker who then tailors the support to meet their specific needs.
Conclusion
Social prescribers are essential in bridging the gap between clinical care and community support services. By addressing the broader determinants of health, they contribute significantly to improving overall well-being and quality of life for individuals in the UK.
What is a Social Prescriber?
Role Definition
A social prescriber is a person who helps people in the community feel better. They help with things that are not medical, like joining clubs or finding support groups. They mainly work in the United Kingdom.
Duties and Responsibilities
Social prescribers help people by:
- Talking to them one by one to understand their problems and what they want.
- Making a plan to help them join things like exercise classes or volunteer groups.
- Checking back later to make sure they are happy with the help they are getting.
Benefits of Social Prescribing
Social prescribing helps people by:
- Connecting them to others, so they feel less lonely.
- Helping them do activities that make them feel better and happier.
- Supporting them with long-term health issues to have a better life.
- Helping the NHS by giving support outside of hospitals and clinics.
How to Access Social Prescribing Services
If you live in the UK, you can ask your doctor or health care worker about social prescribing. They can refer you to someone who will make a special plan just for you.
Conclusion
Social prescribers are important because they help connect medical care with community support. They help people live healthier and happier lives in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a social prescriber?
A social prescriber is a professional who helps connect people with non-medical support services and community resources to improve their overall health and well-being.
How can a social prescriber help me?
A social prescriber can assist you in accessing community groups, activities, and services that can help address social, emotional, or practical needs.
Who can benefit from social prescribing?
Anyone feeling isolated, stressed, anxious, or in need of social support can benefit from social prescribing, including those with long-term health conditions.
How do I get referred to a social prescriber?
Referrals to a social prescriber are typically made through your GP, healthcare provider, or other community services.
Is there a cost to see a social prescriber?
Social prescribing services through the NHS are generally free of charge, but some community activities or services you are referred to may have associated costs.
What types of activities might a social prescriber recommend?
Recommendations may include exercise classes, volunteering, art groups, counseling, debt advice, or support groups, among others.
How long does it take to see a social prescriber?
The waiting time can vary, but your GP or healthcare provider can give you an estimate based on current demand.
Can I self-refer to a social prescriber?
In some areas, self-referrals might be possible. Check with your local NHS or community services to see if this option is available.
What qualifications do social prescribers have?
Social prescriber qualifications can vary, but they often have backgrounds in healthcare, social work, psychology, or community services.
How is a social prescriber different from a GP or therapist?
Unlike GPs or therapists, social prescribers focus on connecting individuals with community resources and social support rather than providing medical treatment or therapy.
What is the goal of social prescribing?
The goal of social prescribing is to improve overall health and well-being by addressing social determinants of health and promoting community engagement.
Do social prescribers work with other healthcare professionals?
Yes, social prescribers often collaborate with GPs, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare and community professionals to provide comprehensive support.
Can social prescribing help with mental health issues?
Yes, social prescribing can provide support for individuals experiencing mental health issues by connecting them with appropriate community resources and activities.
What should I expect during my first meeting with a social prescriber?
During your first meeting, the social prescriber will discuss your needs, interests, and goals to tailor recommendations for community support and activities.
How do I find out more about social prescribing in my area?
You can learn more about social prescribing by speaking with your GP, visiting the NHS website, or contacting local community health services.
What is a social prescriber?
A social prescriber is someone who helps you find support in your community. They talk to you about things you need help with, like meeting new friends, getting active, or managing stress.
Here are some ways they can help you:
- Find clubs or groups you might enjoy
- Learn new skills or hobbies
- Get support with health problems
- Meet new people
If you need help understanding, you can ask someone to explain it to you or use pictures to make it clearer.
A social prescriber is a person who helps people find support and activities in their community. This can help them feel healthier and happier.
How can a social prescriber help me?
A social prescriber is someone who listens to you and helps you find things to make you feel better.
They can help you with:
- Finding groups to join.
- Getting more active.
- Talking to people who can help.
- Learning new skills.
You can ask your doctor or health helper about seeing a social prescriber.
If reading is hard, you can ask someone to read it to you. Or you can use a text-to-speech app to help.
A social prescriber can help you find community groups, activities, and services. These can help with things you might need, like making friends, feeling better, or getting things done.
Who can get help from social prescribing?
Social prescribing can help many people. It is for anyone who needs extra support for their health and well-being. This can include people who feel lonely, people with stress, or those who want help to get more active.
If you need help, you can talk to your doctor or a worker at your health center. They can help you find activities or groups to join. These can make you feel better and give you more energy.
Tools that can help:
- Talking to a nurse or doctor
- Joining a local group or club
- Using phone apps for health and relaxation
If you feel alone, worried, or need help, social prescribing can be good for you. It can help people with health problems that last a long time too.
How can I talk to a social prescriber?
You can meet with a social prescriber if your doctor or someone from a community service tells you about them. They can help you find support for your health and well-being.
Do you need to pay to see a social prescriber?
Most of the time, social prescribing services from the NHS are free.
But sometimes, the activities or services they suggest might cost money.
What fun things can a social prescriber suggest for you to do?
A social prescriber can help you find fun and helpful things to do. Here are some ideas:
- Join a club: You can meet new friends and share hobbies.
- Exercise classes: Stay healthy and have fun with others.
- Art or music groups: Get creative and enjoy making things.
- Gardening: Spend time outside and learn about plants.
- Support groups: Talk and share with people who understand you.
If reading is hard, you can ask someone to help. You can also try listening to audiobooks or using special apps to read out loud for you.
Doctors might tell you about things like exercise classes, helping others, art groups, talking to someone for advice, money help, or support groups.
How long do you wait to see a social prescriber?
Seeing a social prescriber might take some time. It could be a few days or weeks.
Ask your doctor or nurse about it. They can tell you more.
Use a calendar or write a reminder to keep track of your appointment.
Try using simple apps or alarms on your phone to help you remember.
The time you need to wait might change. Your doctor or healthcare worker can tell you how long you might have to wait right now.
Can I ask to see a social prescriber by myself?
Yes, you can ask to see a social prescriber on your own.
If you need help, you can talk to a family member, friend, or caregiver.
They can help you fill out forms or make a phone call.
You can also use a computer or phone to find more info about social prescribers near you.
You might be able to ask for help on your own in some places. Ask your local NHS or community services if you can do this where you live.
What qualifications do social prescribers have?
Social prescribers help people get support in their community. What qualifications do they need?
Social prescribers may have different qualifications. They might have studied health or social care. They could also have experience helping people in their community.
Social prescribers usually know a lot about local support services. They use this knowledge to help people find the right support for them.
If you want to know more about how social prescribers can help, you can ask your doctor or a local health service. They can give you more information and support.
Social prescribers help people and come from different jobs. They might have worked in healthcare, social work, psychology, or helping in the community.
If you want help reading, you can:
- Ask someone to read it to you.
- Use a text-to-speech tool that reads words out loud.
- Look for easy books or websites with simple words.
How is a social prescriber different from a doctor or therapist?
A social prescriber helps you in different ways than a doctor or therapist.
Doctor: A doctor helps you if you are sick or hurt. They give you medicine or treatment.
Therapist: A therapist talks with you to help you feel better in your mind and emotions.
Social Prescriber: A social prescriber can help you find activities or groups in your area. They help you feel better by doing fun things and meeting people.
If reading is hard, try reading with a friend or use pictures to help understand. Listening to someone read the text out loud can also help.
Social prescribers are different from doctors or therapists. They help people find support and activities in their community. They do not give medicine or therapy.
What does social prescribing do?
Social prescribing helps people feel better by connecting them to activities and support in their community.
For example, it can help someone join a local club, start a hobby, or get support from groups.
This is good for mental health and can help you feel happier.
If you want help, you can talk to a doctor or a community worker. They can show you where to find activities and support.
Social prescribing helps people feel better by focusing on things like friendships and being part of a community. It looks at what might make someone feel unwell in their life, not just the medical part.
Do social prescribers work with other healthcare professionals?
Yes, social prescribers work with other healthcare professionals. They are part of a team. This team helps people get better care.
If you find it tricky to understand, you can ask someone to read it with you. You can also use tools like a reading app to listen to the text.
Yes, social prescribers work with doctors, nurses, therapists, and many other helpers. They all work together to give people lots of support.
If you find reading hard, try using audiobooks or apps that read text out loud. They can help you understand better.
Can getting help that is not medicine help with mental health problems?
Sometimes, doctors give you medicine to help you feel better. But there are other ways to help too. This is called "social prescribing." It means doing things like joining clubs, learning new skills, or talking to people.
If you are feeling sad or worried, social prescribing can help. You can try:
- Joining a sport or art club
- Learning something new, like cooking or singing
- Talking to other people
- Spending time outside in nature
These things can make you feel happier and less alone. You can ask your doctor or someone you trust for ideas and support.
Yes, social prescribing can help people with mental health problems. It connects them to activities and help in their community.
What will happen at my first meeting with a social prescriber?
At your first meeting, you will talk with a person called a social prescriber. They are there to help you.
Here is what you can expect:
- Your social prescriber will listen to you. You can tell them about anything that is troubling you.
- They will ask you questions to understand what support you need.
- Together, you will find activities or services that can help you feel better.
If you find reading hard, you can:
- Ask someone to read with you.
- Use text-to-speech tools on your phone or computer.
In your first meeting, the helper will talk to you about what you need and like. They want to know what things you want to do. This will help them find the best groups and activities for you to join in your community.
How can I learn more about social prescribing near me?
Do you want to know more about social prescribing where you live? Here are some simple steps:
- Ask your doctor or nurse. They can tell you about it.
- Visit your local library. The librarians can help you find information.
- Search online for "social prescribing" and your area name.
- Talk to friends or family. They might know about it too.
You can also look for help from a support group. They can help explain things. Remember, it's okay to ask questions until you understand.
You can find out more about getting help from the community by talking to your doctor, looking at the NHS website, or reaching out to local health services near you.
Useful Links
Useful links from: Strategies for Reducing Loneliness and Social Isolation in Urban Areas
- NHS - Loneliness in older people The NHS provides information on how loneliness can affect older people and offers strategies and advice on reducing social isolation, including physical activity and community engagement.
- Age UK - Tackling Loneliness Age UK offers resources and support for older individuals experiencing loneliness and social isolation. The website provides practical advice, volunteer opportunities, and connection services.
- Campaign to End Loneliness The Campaign to End Loneliness works to ensure that loneliness is acted upon as a public health priority. The site offers research, tools, and blogs on strategies to combat loneliness in communities.
- Mind - Loneliness Mind, a UK-based mental health charity, provides information on the impact of loneliness on mental health and offers advice on how to manage feelings of isolation through various coping strategies and support networks.
Useful links from: Social prescribing in practice: supporting social prescribing link workers
- NHS Social Prescribing This NHS page provides comprehensive information on social prescribing, including how it works, its benefits, and resources for link workers.
- Social Prescribing Network The Social Prescribing Network promotes best practices and offers resources for practitioners, including events, research findings, and a newsletter.
- Royal Voluntary Service - Social Prescribing Royal Voluntary Service provides information on their social prescribing services and how they support individuals in connecting with local activities and services.
- National Academy for Social Prescribing This organization offers extensive resources, training, and support for social prescribing link workers, including partnerships and funding opportunities.
Useful links from: Introducing Social Prescribing - short video
- NHS England - Social Prescribing An overview of social prescribing in the NHS, explaining how it works and its benefits to patients and community health.
- The King's Fund - What is social prescribing? Detailed information from The King's Fund about what social prescribing is, including research, case studies, and best practices.
- Social Prescribing Network A resource site for the Social Prescribing Network, which connects individuals and organizations involved in social prescribing across the UK.
- National Academy for Social Prescribing An organization dedicated to advancing social prescribing through research, collaboration, and sharing best practices across the UK.
Useful links from: Social Prescribing
- NHS - Social Prescribing Learn about social prescribing on the NHS website. This page explains what social prescribing is, how it works, and its benefits in supporting health and well-being.
- The King's Fund - Social Prescribing Explore detailed insights and research on social prescribing from The King's Fund, an independent charity working to improve health and care in England.
- National Academy for Social Prescribing Visit the National Academy for Social Prescribing to find resources, news, and information on social prescribing initiatives across the UK.
- Mind - Social Prescribing Mind, a UK-based mental health charity, provides valuable information about social prescribing, its benefits, and how it can help improve mental health and well-being.
Useful links from: Social Prescribing in Greater Manchester
- NHS Social Prescribing Information on social prescribing from the NHS England website, including how it works and its benefits.
- Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership Details about social prescribing initiatives and support in Greater Manchester, provided by the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership.
- RHS Bridgewater Social Prescribing Information about social prescribing initiatives at RHS Garden Bridgewater, including activities focused on improving mental health and wellbeing through gardening.
- The King's Fund - Social Prescribing An overview of social prescribing from The King's Fund, providing research, policy analysis, and case studies.
Useful links from: What is a social prescriber, and how do they support general practice?
- NHS - Social Prescribing This page on the NHS website explains what social prescribing is and how it links patients to non-medical support in the community. It also describes the benefits for general practice and patient outcomes.
- National Academy for Social Prescribing The National Academy for Social Prescribing provides detailed information on what social prescribing is, how it works, and the impact it has on communities and general practices in the UK.
- Royal College of General Practitioners - Social Prescribing This page by the Royal College of General Practitioners outlines how social prescribing can support general practice, improve patient care, and addresses frequently asked questions.
- The King's Fund - What is Social Prescribing? The King's Fund provides an overview of social prescribing, its role in the healthcare system, how it supports general practitioners, and its impact on patients' mental and physical health.
Useful links from: Social prescribing – what is it?
- NHS England - Social prescribing Information from NHS England on social prescribing, including what it is, how it works, and its benefits for patients.
- National Academy for Social Prescribing The National Academy for Social Prescribing is a UK-based charity that promotes social prescribing and supports community organizations through research, advocacy, and partnerships.
- Mind - Social prescribing and community-based support Mind is a UK charity that provides comprehensive information on social prescribing and how it can help improve mental health by connecting individuals to community-based support.
- NHS Inform - Social prescribing NHS Inform offers detailed insight about social prescribing, focusing on how it can be used to improve health and wellbeing through various community services and activities.
Useful links from: Social Prescribing Link Workers are part of new health and wellbeing services in NHS surgeries
- NHS England - Social Prescribing Information about social prescribing, how it works, and the benefits for patients and healthcare services on the NHS England website.
- National Academy for Social Prescribing Home of the National Academy for Social Prescribing, supporting the implementation and success of social prescribing across the UK.
- The King's Fund - Social Prescribing The King's Fund provides in-depth research and analysis on the effectiveness and implementation of social prescribing in healthcare.
- Social Prescribing Network A UK-wide network that brings together people and organizations involved in social prescribing to share knowledge and best practices.
Useful links from: Social Prescribing
- NHS - Social prescribing and community-based support Official NHS page providing information on social prescribing, how it works, and its benefits. It offers resources and case studies on how social prescribing helps connect individuals to community support.
- The King's Fund - Social prescribing The King's Fund provides an overview of social prescribing, its advantages, and various models. It includes research, evidence, and policy analysis to support the implementation and scale-up of social prescribing.
- National Association of Link Workers This UK-based charity focuses on the concept of social prescribing link workers. The site provides training, support, and resources for social prescribing link workers who help patients to connect with community services.
- Social Prescribing Network The Social Prescribing Network offers networking and support for professionals involved in social prescribing. It provides resources, events, and best practices to improve and expand social prescribing services across the UK.
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- Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on Captions, click settings .
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