What is social prescribing?
Many things affect our health and wellbeing. GPs tell us that people visit them feeling isolated, lonely or stressed 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 with your doctor or another person in the practice team, who then refers you to a social prescribing link worker.
What does a link worker do?
The link worker will 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 help you find benefits advice or debt counselling. They can 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, walking group, or book club.
Supporting you manage your health and wellbeing
Bromley link workers are trained in Health Coaching and Motivational Interviewing and can use these skills to support you to make changes to help you manage your health and wellbeing. They can support you for as long as it takes to make the change.
Helping you feel better
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 Bromley.
How to make an appointment
If you would like to book an appointment with your social prescribing link worker, ask your GP or speak to a member of the practice staff.
For more information about social prescribing visit england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/social-prescribing/