Social Prescriber

Overview

Social Prescribing Link Workers (SPLW) can provide more time and focus on ‘what matters to me’ and take a holistic approach to an individual’s health and wellbeing,  empowering them to have more control. 

By developing supportive relationships with local, voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations, community groups and statutory services, SPLWs are able to make timely, appropriate and supported referrals for individuals who may need practical and emotional support. This is especially for people with long term conditions, those who are lonely or isolated, and/or have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing. 

Responsibilities

• Work with people individually, building trusting relationships, listening closely and working with them to develop a personalised care and support plan, based on what matters to the person.
• Review people’s identified needs actively signpost to wider services
• Proactively identify and work with a cohorts of people, appropriate to the population needs of the PCN e.g. carers
• Support high-risk patient populations before they incur costlier medical intervention
• Support to create a richer picture on practice population health needs and risks; by gaining information about patients’ treatment histories, medication adherence, new symptoms, and management of chronic conditions
• Reduces health inequalities by addressing the wider determinants of health, such as debt, poor housing and physical inactivity
• Increases people’s active involvement with their local communities

Training

Supervision

The employing PCN must identify a first point of contact for advice and support and (if different) a GP to provide supervision for the Social Prescribing Link Worker. This could be provided by one or more named individuals within the PCN.

A PCN will ensure the Social Prescribing Link Worker can discuss patient related concerns and be supported to follow appropriate safeguarding procedures (i.e. abuse, domestic violence and support with mental health) with a relevant GP.