Social Prescribing Link Workers

What is a Social Prescribing Link Worker?

A Social Prescribing Link Worker (SPLW) is a professional who helps connect you to non-medical support in your community, focusing on improving your overall well-being. They work with you to address social, emotional, or practical needs that might be affecting your health, such as loneliness, stress, or financial worries.

Who Can Benefit from a Social Prescriber?

Anyone who needs extra support with social issues can benefit from a Social Prescriber. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, feeling isolated, managing a long-term condition, or facing challenges like housing or debt, a Social Prescriber can help. They take the time to understand your situation and guide you to the right resources and services available in your community.

How Can a Social Prescriber Support You?

A Social Prescribing Link Worker offers personalised support by listening to your concerns and working with you to create a plan that meets your specific needs. They can connect you to a wide range of local services, such as community groups, exercise programs, mental health support, financial advice, and more. The goal is to help you find the right support to improve your quality of life.

What Are the Benefits of Social Prescribing?

The support of a Social Prescriber can lead to improved mental and physical health, greater confidence, and a stronger sense of connection to your community. By addressing the root causes of the issues affecting your well-being, Social Prescribing empowers you to take control of your health and live a more fulfilling life.

Where to Find a Social Prescribing Link Worker?

Need support with any social issues? Find a Social Prescribing Link Worker at a Brent GP practice near you using our interactive map. Just click to explore nearby locations and connect with someone who can help you access the right community resources and services today!

Breaking Free: A Journey Towards Independence

Situation: Veronica Green is a 59-year-old woman living in a council-rented property. Following the death of her mother two years ago, she began experiencing panic attacks and intense fear, which impacted her daily functioning and social interactions. Managing daily chores and self-care became challenging, making it difficult for her to live independently.

Solution and Results: With Ms Green's consent, our Social Prescriber referred her to the Adult Social Care service for a needs assessment. As a result, she now receives daily support from a carer for 45 minutes, significantly improving her situation. Additionally, our Social Prescriber coordinated with the Brent Community Mental Health Service to provide Miss Green with speech and reading therapy.

She was also informed about local walking groups, which she now attends regularly. These walks have positively impacted her blood sugar and blood pressure management. Furthermore, Ms Green began receiving food parcels from the Sufra food bank, delivered right to her doorstep. She finds this service highly satisfactory and is grateful for the support she has received.

Overall, Ms Green feels she is becoming more independent and is pleased with the improvements in her life.

Conclusion: If you need person-centered support and are registered with a Brent GP, consider asking for an appointment with a Social Prescriber.

From Struggle to Success: The Impact of Social Prescribing

Situation: A 56-year-old white British woman was experiencing a low mood due to the increasing cost of living and the struggle to keep her home warm. She was also burdened by utility debts, which worsened her sense of hopelessness. She felt isolated and unsure of where to turn for help.

Solution and Results: The woman was referred to Green Doctors by our social prescriber. After a home assessment, she received advice on how to keep her home warm, foil insulation for her radiators, and two £50 supermarket vouchers. This allowed her to stock up her freezer with food for the winter, easing her financial stress. Additionally, the social prescriber helped her apply for the Resident Support Fund, from which she received £500 towards her utility debt, with some money left over for other financial needs.

As a result, her financial burden was reduced, and her emotional well-being improved. She was very thankful for the support and felt more confident in accessing services independently.

Conclusion: This case highlights how person-centered support can significantly improve both emotional and financial well-being. If you are struggling financially and registered with a Brent GP, consider asking for an appointment with a social prescriber to explore available support options.

You Are Not Alone: A Resilient Mother's Story

Situation: In May 2022, a pregnant 32-year-old Black African woman was living alone in private rented accommodation through the council. She has just had her first appointment with a Social Prescriber. At the time, she had limited mental health and financial support. The Social Prescriber discovered she was receiving only Universal Credit, which was insufficient to cover her living costs. That's when she was referred to Sufra Food Bank for temporary food support and connected with other local food banks. Meanwhile, she was encouraged and assisted in applying for maternity benefits, as well as provided information about available practical and mental health support. We connected her with relevant support organisations such as Three Trees Family Wellbeing Centre and Sane.

Solution and Results:

Thanks to the Social Prescriber, this patient received Maternity Allowance and Healthy Start Support. She also started attending counselling with IAPT.

Furthermore, the then mother-to-be also revealed concerns about her accommodation, citing persistent noise and smoking from neighbours that negatively affected her mental health. The SPLW started liaising with the patient's housing officer, continuously following up on the situation and even providing a letter describing patient's difficulties and the effect of all the stress related to the housing situation on the young mother.

Not long after, she was successfully relocated outside of London. During her last consultation with the Social Prescriber, the patient shared that she is managing better financially and that the relocation and mental health support have significantly improved her wellbeing. She reported feeling more confident in addressing challenges and seeking help when needed.

Conclusion: Support services are available to help individuals facing similar challenges. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, a variety of resources—including food banks, mental health support, and financial aid—can provide essential help. Don't hesitate to reach out to local organizations and professionals who can guide you on your path to improved well-being.

Brent Mencap

379-381 High Rd, London NW10 2JR Tel: 020 8451 5278

Registered Charity Number: 1077038