Social Prescribing
What is Social Prescribing?
A social prescribing link worker can give you non-medical support to increase your social circle, advise you where to go for support with things impacting your wellbeing and health, listen to you and help you make a plan to improve things. We help you to access the support and connections in our community that can help you to manage your health and wellbeing.
We ask ‘What matters to you?’ not ‘What’s the matter with you?’
Our Social Prescribers can support you to
How can I access Social Prescribing?
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Check your eligibility
Only WellBN patients can self-refer for Social Prescribing support by completing this form.
Non WellBN patients will need to contact their own GP practice and ask to be referred.
However, anyone with a BN1 postcode can register for our Creative Health Workshops.
These services are all free-of-charge.
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What happens next?
A Social Prescriber will check your referral and signpost to any relevant services.
They will then refer for one-to-one support with a Social Prescriber and/or our Creative Health programme.
After triaging, you will have access to the Creative Health Programme and one-to-one support to enhance your health and wellbeing.
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Social Prescribing is not for you if:
-Your main worry is severe and medical
-You have urgent needs (for example mental health) and have not yet been referred for assessment
-Your behaviour is likely to be volatile or harmful to others
-You are unwilling to give something new a try
-You need debt advice
-You need housing advice
The Social Prescribing Team
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Elizabeth 'Lizzy' West
Social Prescribing Team Leader, Lead Officer, Migrant Support
“It is meaningful work and involves working directly with people to understand their needs. There have been a lot of challenges for so many over the last few years, more so than ever before. I have always been interested and driven to find ways to support and develop communities and individuals. Together we are stronger and every person has something unique they can express and share with others. It is not easy to always feel this if you are struggling, but hopefully with the right setting, support or some creativity it becomes more possible to do so.”
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Madeline Budd
Social Prescriber
“I enjoy listening to people’s stories and seeing what support I can offer them. It is always lovely to watch as people form connections and find little pockets of joy in their life.”
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Elisa Viero
Social Prescriber & Administrator
Elisa discovered her passion for listening and caring for people in her previous jobs for the NHS.
Elisa recognises that empathy and human connection are vital for wellbeing and personal growth, particularly in an age where technology often replaces face-to-face interactions. She believes in and cultivates the values of awareness and acceptance, kindness and a small, but daily commitment to change.
Hera Great Outdoors
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Our Social Prescribers understand the positive effects of being outdoors and how this can lead towards better health. We know that people living with ongoing health conditions are less likely to access green spaces and spend less time in nature.
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"I want just to say thank you for your amazing and kind support during the South Down workshop, part of HERA GO. Before the workshop, I’d been thinking for almost a year about travelling by myself to this location, because I really needed some walking in the countryside and to reconnect with nature. Unfortunately, I was unable to get there alone due to my PTSD, so I was feeling frustrated, I didn’t know what to do with myself or my feelings. When I saw the possibility to realise that [wish] with your workshops, I was so happy and grateful! Going there in a group, connecting with other people, doing different activities like art and photography and other interesting things was beautiful. My mood, at the end of the day, was definitely better! Sometimes simple things can really make a difference."
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We are looking forward to arranging more trips involving exploring being outdoors, if you are interested in being involved please fill out the below form.
