Social prescribing, sometimes referred to as community referral, is a means of enabling GPs, nurses and other primary 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, arts activities, group learning, gardening, befriending, cookery, healthy eating advice and a range of sports.
Social prescribing is designed to support people with a wide range of social, emotional or practical needs, and many schemes are focussed on improving mental health and physical well-being. Those who could benefit from social prescribing schemes include people with mild or long-term mental health problems, vulnerable groups, people who are socially isolated, and those who frequently attend either primary or secondary health care.
Winchester City PCN are offering a Social Prescribing service in conjunction with two well known charities in the area St John’s Winchester Charity & Community First.
Service eligibility?
- Patients aged 18 or over
- Non clinical consultations
How do I book in?
Please contact your GP practice as normal and request a social prescribing appointment via the practices receptionists. Clinics will be spread across all 3 Winchester Practices and patients will have access to all days and times available. This may mean your appointment could be at a different site to your regular practice if face to face.
How long will my appointment be?
We anticipate the first appointment to take up to 30 minutes and subsequent follow up appointments to take up to 15 minutes.
Appointments can be face to face, via video link up or by phone. We generally advise the first appointment to be face to face so that you can build a strong, trusting relationship with your social prescriber.
