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
Mandatory Training
Training Standards (minimum)
Safeguarding Adults and Children Level 1
Safeguarding Adults and Children Level 2
Safeguarding Level 3
Introducing people to community groups and VCSE organisations
Additional Training (recommended)
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.
Further Information
Introduction to the Social Prescribing Link Worker Role
NHS England Social Prescribing Link Worker Welcome Pack
Social Prescribing Link Worker Workforce Development Framework
Once in post, a care co-ordinator will be able to access the FutureNHS Collaboration Platform an NHS England online learning and support community – with Forums, Resources, National Webinar Series & “share and learn” sessions
All personalised care roles have access to a local ambassador who can share ongoing training and forums- contact [email protected]
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