Welcome to Social Prescribing
What is Social Prescribing?
Some problems can’t be fixed by medicine alone; with Social Prescribing you can get specialist support for more than medical issues. Our Social Prescriber’s can help you take control of your health and the care you receive. We are here to focus on what matters to you and to support you navigate services within your community that could benefit you.
This could include linking you to services that may focus on:
- Social connections or hobbies & skills
- Healthy lifestyles
- Befriending or counselling support groups
- Housing, benefits & financial advice
- Employment, education or volunteering
Accessing the Social Prescribing service is free however some external services may require a fee however the Social Prescriber will work to find alternatives if required.
How Does it Work?
A member of your GP practice team may suggest a referral to the social prescribing service. One of our social prescribers will contact you to discuss your interests and what matters to you.
They may invite you to come and see them at the GP practice or arrange to meet you elsewhere - this could be at your home or somewhere else in the community, it’s up to you!
They will then work closely with you to identify local services and support that work for you.
Practices We Cover:
- Alvaston Medical Centre
- Chellaston Medical Centre
- Haven Medical Centre
- Hollybrook Medical Centre
- Parkfields Medical Centre
- Village Surgery
- Wellbrook Medical Centre
- Willington Surgery
An Example of Social Prescribing
Bill was his wife’s full time carer and has been feeling depressed since she died. He would like to get out of the house and regain some purpose in his life.
The social prescriber has the time and the skills to listen and support Bill in identifying community services and activities that work for him. This might include a local walking group, a Men in Sheds group or local bereavement