Today is Social Prescribing Day, where we recognise the work, dedication, and positive ways that Social Prescribers engage with our community. But what does a Social Prescriber do?
It can often be a challenge to start on a journey to improve your physical and mental health. Trying to lead a better life can be an overwhelming experience to navigate on your own. Having access to your local GP or local hospital is a positive, but these only resolve part of the problem. What about your long-term health?
By working closely with local GPs, Social Prescribers can support and advise on the best steps patients can take to improving their health. Once you have been assigned a local Social Prescriber, they will help you become more active and social within the Redditch community. A Social Prescriber can connect you with activities that are going on in your area.
What’s more, if you need financial advice or help with an issue within your family that is having a negative impact on you, the Social Prescriber can act as an advocate for you and signpost you to specialised groups and services. The Social Prescribers can also help with building friendships and confidence through socialising by connecting you to local clubs.
It is hard to deny the positive impact that the Redditch Social Prescribers have had in our community:
• 71% of patients reported that they had not been back to their GP about their mental health and wellbeing concerns/s since accessing the Social Prescribing Service.
• 83% of patients feel the support that they received from the Social Prescribing service will help them with their mental health and wellbeing in the long term.
• 92% of patients found that the signpost given/referrals made by the Social Prescribing Link Worker were appropriate or extremely appropriate.
The Social Prescribing team genuinely care for your wellbeing and are proud of their patient’s milestones.
These examples are some of the many ways Social Prescribers have changed the lives of Redditch residents. You are eligible to be referred to this service if:
• You are over the age of 18.
• You need some support and encouragement to improve your physical or mental health and wellbeing.
• A patient at a Redditch or Wythall GP surgery.
If you would like to find out if Social Prescribing is right for you, speak to a member of the team.
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