Social Prescribing
What is Social Prescribing?
Recognising that people’s health is determined primarily by a range of social, economic and environmental factors, Social Prescribing seeks to address people’s needs in a holistic way. It also aims to support individuals to take greater control of their own health.
Social prescribing is designed to support people with a wide range of social, emotional or practical needs. The extent to which we have control over our lives, have good social connections and live in healthy, safe neighbourhoods are all important influences on health.
It seeks to address people’s needs across a number of areas such as physical activity, diet and nutrition, mental health and social support. It is often referred to as a ‘more than medicine’ approach to health and wellbeing. Please see the leaflet below for more information:
Sensory Champion
We want your help to identify people who have a sight and/or hearing loss and would benefit from the support we are able to give them.
Thinking about those who use your service:
- Do they live alone?
- Have they had sudden sight or hearing loss?
- Can they hear the smoke alarm, doorbell and telephone?
- Have they had a history of fires in the home?
- Can they see to prepare their own meals?
- Is there a history of burns and scalds?
- Any history of sight or hearing loss related trips and falls?
- What support network do they have?
- Is there a risk of family or care breakdown?
- Social isolation, loneliness or poor mental health?
Social Prescriber Service
The clinic is to support all patients who could benefit from non-medical intervention to improve their general health and well being. This service can help with the following:
- Healthy lifestyle – weight management, stop smoking, exercise opportunities.
- Carers support – local groups, support, advice, entitlements, referrals to other agencies.
- Socially isolated – local interest and friendship groups, volunteering opportunities, befriending services.
- Home – equipment, fire safety, handyman services, hand rails.
- Employment and training/learning opportunities.
- Building confidence and self-esteem, mental health support.
- Welfare concerns – food-banks, referrals to housing/money support services.
- Accessibility – hospital transport, community transport schemes, blue badge advice, local assessibility, guidance, bus passes.
If you would like to find out more, please contact the practice.
Colne Valley Surgeries Weight Loss Programme
For more information on the weight loss programme, including feedback from previous participants, please read the article on the Halstead Gazette website: www.halsteadgazette.co.uk – Colne Valley surgeries launch weight loss programme.
Live Well Link Well
Live Well Link Well is a free and confidential Social Prescribing service that provides practical or emotional support of a non-medical nature. Live Well Link Well workers work in partnership with GP surgeries across mid Essex. They will give you time and can help you to access appropriate support within the local community which will:
- Help you make positive changes to your personal health and wellbeing
- Identify and link you into appropriate support in the community
- Assist you in developing personal goals focused on what matters to you
- Healthy living
- Weight management
- Lifestyle advice
- Maintaining physical and mental wellbeing
- Supporting independence
- Mobility and equipment
- Looking after someone
- Getting out and about
- Home adaptations
- Money worries
- Social inclusion
Telephone: 0300 303 9988
Website: livewell.linkwell@nhs.net
Email: www.connectwellessex.org.uk