Silvie Grof

Social prescribing originates from the idea that the local community can support and improve your health and wellbeing.

The role of a social prescriber is to direct you to the services that meet your needs. Social prescribing is a primary care service and the team work alongside your GP surgery in offering you support. We discuss what support you think you may need or want and what your expectations are. A social prescriber will either refer, discuss or introduce you to these opportunities. We will sometimes involve other healthcare and support services like adult social care, mental health team or the proactive anticipatory care team. We also help to make new friends and explore our food pantry services across the borough. You can be referred to a social prescriber by talking to your GP, healthcare professional, or by self-referral via your surgery reception team.

If you talk to a doctor or another healthcare professional about your struggles, they may refer you onto our service. Examples of referrals: You may have recently lost your job, suffered a bereavement, have employment issues, feel isolated in your community, or newly retired and want to explore social and voluntary organisations.