A social prescriber is someone who is able to recommend a plan that includes services that do not usually involve medication.
How does social prescribing work?
A social prescriber is someone who helps people feel better by connecting them with fun activities, groups, and services in their community. For example, if someone is feeling sad or lonely, a social prescriber might help them find a group where they can make new friends or learn a new hobby. Or if someone has trouble sleeping or eating well, a social prescriber might suggest they try going for a walk, doing yoga, or joining a cooking class.
Social prescribers work with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to make sure their patients are getting the help they need to be healthy and happy. They understand that feeling good is not just about taking medicine or going to the hospital, but also about having fun and doing things that make you happy.
By helping people find fun things to do and groups to join, social prescribers can help people feel better and improve their overall health.
How do I contact the social prescriber?
Please complete this form to explain the problems you are having and our social prescriber will contact you.
What happens next?
Once we’ve received your message, one of our social prescribers will call you to arrange a meeting. Usually this is about a week after you complete the form.
After this first meeting we will provide you with a plan and more appointments. These might be at home, at the surgery or within you local area.
We will need your permission to access your GP records. Details of our meetings will be added to your record at the surgery.
Social prescribers can help you in many ways, including:
- Taking time to understand what’s important for your health and wellbeing and what you’d like to work on.
- Encouraging you to connect with services, groups, and activities that can help you.
- Talking to you on the phone or in person (if COVID restrictions allow) and creating a plan to help you connect with community services.
They can help you connect with things like:
- Activities that promote healthy living and an active lifestyle.
- Opportunities to explore the arts, music, the outdoors, and other creative pursuits.
- Support groups that offer counselling, befriending, and other types of help.
- Services that can help with housing, finances, benefits, and other practical matters.
- Opportunities to get involved with volunteering, training, education, and local groups.
- Access to specialist services and support.
When you talk to a social prescriber, they will:
- Keep your conversations confidential.
- Be practical, helpful, and non-judgmental.
- Help you figure out what you want to do to improve your health and wellbeing.
- Find activities and support that will suit you.
- Support you along the way.
Can I use this service and is it free?
The service is for people registered with the Harrow Collaborative PCN GP surgeries, aged 16 and over, who are experiencing issues affecting their physical or mental health and wellbeing.
