Last week was National Social Prescribing Day, celebrating the important role that social prescribers play in many general practices in Dorset.
Social prescribers support patients with social issues such as isolation, loneliness or social anxiety. They offer guidance and assistance with accessing a range of services to improve people’s feeling of hope for the future, social connection and independence.
To raise awareness about this important role in general practice, the social prescribing team at Christchurch Primary Care Network went to Stour Surgery and Christchurch Medical Practice to talk to patients about the work they are doing to help people improve their health and wellbeing.
Kate Daniel, Social Prescribing Team Lead from Christchurch Primary Care Network said,
“Lots of people came to talk to us. The team managed to help some people make self-referrals for our support, and we were able to give out information and advice on local services. It went down really well!”
One of Stour Surgery patient’s commented, “It was great to meet the social prescribing team. Thank you Naomi for talking to me, and more importantly listening.”
Christchurch Primary Care Network social prescribing team
Dr Paul Johnson, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Dorset said:
“The health and care sector continues to be under huge pressure, with demand remaining incredibly high. So, it is great to hear about the fantastic work going on in this area of primary care, that benefits both the patient and general practice. Thank you to all the social prescribing staff out there in Dorset. ”
To find out more about social prescribing in your area, check your GP practice website or ask at your surgery.
