South Hams Community Action works in partnership with Mewstone Primary Care Network (PCN) and South Hams PCN to provide social prescribing link worker services across the GP surgery populations of Wembury, Yealmpton, Modbury, Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Chillington and Dartmouth,
Social prescribing, sometimes referred to as a community referral, is a means of enabling GPs, nurses and other health care professionals to refer people to a range of local, non-clinical services. Recognising that people’s health is determined primarily by a range of social, economic and environmental factors, social prescribing seeks to address people’s needs in a holistic way. It also aims to support individuals to take greater control of their own health.
Social prescribing schemes can involve a variety of activities which are typically provided by voluntary and community sector organisations. Examples include volunteering, art activities, group learning, gardening, walking and physical activities such as working with animals, befriending, cookery, healthy eating advice and a range of sports.
Our Link workers can provide support and advice for individuals experiencing debt, unemployment, housing or mobility issues, as well as tackling loneliness by building social connections through joining local community groups, such as walking, singing or gardening groups.
Our social prescribing link workers are recruited for their listening skills, empathy and ability to support people in relation to ‘what matters to them’. To contact them, please talk to your GP.
