Social prescribing empowers people to take control of their health and wellbeing through referral to link workers who give time, focus on what matters to me and take a holistic approach to an individuals health and wellbeing, connecting people to diverse community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support. Link workers also support existing groups to be accessible and sustainable and help people to start new community groups, working collaboratively with all local diverse partners. Social prescribing link workers will work as a key part of the primary care network (PCN) multi-disciplinary team. Social prescribing can help PCNs to strengthen community and personal resilience, reduce health inequalities (in relation to timely access and outcomes) and wellbeing inequalities by addressing the wider determinants of health, such as debt, poor housing, and physical inactivity, by increasing peoples active involvement with their local diverse communities.
It particularly works for people with long term conditions (including support for mental health), for people who are lonely or isolated, or have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing. Social prescribing is a way of engaging patients in primary care with a resource which provides support within the local community. In addition it provides GPs with a non-medical referral option that can align to existing treatments to improve health and wellbeing. People want to be able to access information and support in a setting that is convenient and familiar to them, delivered by people they trust.
The Social Prescribing Link Worker will offer support in a clinic environment based within general practice as well at various locations within the community including the patients home. The role will provide information and support to patients in addition to becoming the link between the patient, GP and other service providers. The role will require managing and prioritising your own caseload, in accordance with the needs, priorities and any urgent support required by individuals. Please see attached documents for full Job Description and Person Specification.