The role of Social Prescribers is to help people address social problems they are facing that impact their well-being – there are many life problems that make you feel unwell. The Social Prescribers are there to listen and help, using their connections with voluntary organisations, clubs, and specialised services to improve patients’ quality of life.
The Social Prescribing team is known as Link Workers and they take a holistic approach to people’s health and well-being, giving people the time and space to talk and focusing on each individual’s definition of ‘what matters to me.’
They connect people to the most appropriate and helpful community groups and statutory services providing practical and emotional support.
Social Prescribing Link Workers also support existing community groups to be accessible and sustainable and to help people to start new groups, working collaboratively with all local partners.
They will visit you at home to chat about the issues you are facing, which could include:
Living alone
Feeling lonely
Money worries
Language barriers
Work or unemployment
Housing issues
Children and families
Health and fitness
Weight problems
Smoking
Together, you’ll work out what’s important to you and find local activities, benefits, and services that will make life easier and better. They’ll support you to access those services too.
People can be referred to Link Workers from a wide range of local agencies, including GPs, pharmacies, multi-disciplinary teams, hospital discharge teams, allied health professionals, the fire service, the police, job centres, social care services, housing associations, and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations.
Our Receptionists or Health and Well-being team can refer you to a Social Prescriber or you can request to see one yourself by emailing barnsleyccg.pcnsocialprescribing@nhs.net or by downloading a self-referral Social Prescribing form here
Remember, your doctor is not the only person on our team who can help you.
