Social Prescribers... Who are they and what do they do?

You’ve probably heard us mention social prescribers before, but what do they really do? WIth telephone appointments with the social prescribers available to book from 5th June, we thought we’d give an in depth description of the services they offer…

Social prescribers are a group of very lovely people that are here to support you with any non-medical challenges that could be having an effect on your health and wellbeing. They are here to listen to your concerns, find out what is important to you and support you in overcoming these challenges. They may link you in with other services or groups to support you with the issues you have identified.

Reasons to get a referral to the social prescribers:

  • Social isolation and loneliness

  • Creativity, hobbies and learning new skills

  • Healthy lifestyles and physical activity

  • Managing long term health conditions

  • Housing issues

  • Maintaining independence

  • Money issues

  • Mental health difficulties/challenges

  • Refugee support

  • Unemployment

  • Volunteering carers

  • New parents, particularly mothers

  • Families (children, relationships)

  • Bereavement

The social prescribers can also offer advice on:

  • Health (pain management, long covid etc.)

  • Employment

  • Asylum processes and appeals

  • Benefits

  • Immigration

  • Legal matters/disputes

  • Home environment (including DIY and fire safety)

  • Education and training

  • Domestic abuse/violence

  • Sexual abuse

  • Judicial issues

  • Addictions (drugs, alcohol etc.)

  • Transport

A new service the social prescribers are offering now is on the day telephone appointments, you can call our reception team and they can book you in to receive a call back from the on duty social prescriber the same day (calls after 3pm will receive a call back the following morning). If you have a simple query, they aim to answer your question there and then. If it is a more complex conversation, it will be passed on to another member of the social prescribing team, for ongoing support! These calls exclude mental health crisis’ and children under 16 years old.

The on duty social prescriber can help patients who call the surgery with:

  • Caring responsibilities

  • Dementia support

  • Requiring aids, adaptions and equipment in the home

  • Housing issues

  • Benefits and money concerns

  • Loneliness and isolation

  • Low mood and anxiety

  • Employment/volunteering

  • Finding a group or club to join

  • Needing food bank vouchers

You don’t need to see a GP to be referred to the social prescribers, you can self-refer by calling or emailing