The Role
Social prescribing link workers connect people to community-based support, including activities and services that meet practical, social, and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. This includes connecting people to statutory services for example housing, financial and welfare advice.
Social prescribing works particularly well for people with low level mental health needs, who feel lonely or isolated, with long term conditions and complex social needs. They will take the time to listen and, in partnership with the patient or user, devise a personalised health and wellbeing plan to help them get better physically, mentally and psychologically.
SPLW have strong listening and empathy skills, and links to various community or social networks to help people reach out for support.
Benefits for the Practice
- Saving valuable nurse and GP time
- Preventing worsening of patients’ physical and mental health
- Helping reduce health inequalities in the community
Benefits for the Patient
- Building relationships to support better physical and mental health
- Helping patients to have more control over their own healthcare
- Developing resilience and independence
Training & Development
There are no set entry requirements for this role because life experience, personal qualities and values are generally more important than qualifications.
Some employers may ask for basic numeracy and literacy plus some IT skills and relevant work experience. Some may also require a qualification at level 3.
Once in a role, training and development will be given.
