Epping Forest North Primary Care Network Social Prescribers
1 in 5 GP appointments are used for non-medical problems because often people don’t know where to turn – that’s where social prescribing comes in!
What we do
We recognise that everyone is unique so no two people will have the same needs – our support is tailored to you
We will typically work with you for a period of 12 weeks
We will get to know you, your likes and dislikes, what’s going well and what’s not going so well and help you achieve your goals
For some people it might be
- Getting advice on housing, finances & benefits
- Joining a local community group
- Preventing loneliness and isolation
- Helping you better manage your long-term condition
- Improving overall health and wellbeing
Ask your GP practice for a referral today!
What is Social Prescribing?
Watch a video on social prescribing here.
Many things affect your health and wellbeing. GPs tell us that a lot of people visit them feeling isolated or lonely.
Or they might be stressed out by work, money and housing problems. Sometimes it’s the stress of managing different long-term conditions.
That’s where social prescribing comes in. It starts with a conversation.
It might be the conversation you’ve just had with your doctor. Or with
another person in the practice team. They will refer you to a social prescribing link worker.
The link worker is there to listen to you, and put you in touch with the people and activities that might help you to feel better.
Your link worker might introduce you to a community group, a new activity or a local club. Or they might help you find legal advice or debt counselling. They might just help you find information and guidance: a bit of inside knowledge on your situation or what local resources there are. They could even support you to create something new such as a gardening club, a fishing group, a ‘men’s shed’ or knit and knatter group.
Social prescribing can help you to have more control over your own health and find ways to improve how you feel in a way that suits you.
Studies show that people get better and feel better faster than those treated with medicine alone. And because it works, it’s happening more and more – including here in this area.
For more information about social prescribing visit
www.england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/social-prescribing