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Autumn 2023 Newsletter
South Southwark Social Prescribing Autumn Newsletter
Our Social Prescribing Link Workers support anyone registered to a South Southwark GP.
Over several sessions, we help identify what matters to the individual and develop a plan with them to support them to make positive life changes.
We will connect the individual to activities, services, social groups, and advice in and around Southwark.
In this Autumn edition of the social prescribing newsletter:
- Social prescribing quick-fire questions
- What has our team been up to?
- Case Study
- New roles within the team
- Staff Spotlight
- Service Spotlight
"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us" - Helen Keller
Social prescribing quick-fire questions
What is social prescribing?
Social prescribing is a holistic approach that connects people to activities, groups, and services in their community to meet the practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing.
What kind of things can you help me with?
Our team focuses on what matters to you, taking into account your non medical needs. We can support with linking to services that can support with issues such as housing, finance, low level mental health, employment, bereavement, social isolation, lifestyle changes, and many more.
How can I access social prescribing?
Our social prescribing team work closely with GP practices in South Southwark who refer directly to our service.
Do I need to book an appointment with my GP to be referred?
No, anyone within the GP practice can refer to the social prescribers, including reception and admin staff.
What can't social prescribers help with?
Social prescribers don't support with medical issues. We also aren't support workers, so can't provide ongoing case management for those with very complex needs.
How long can you support me for?
There is no set time. Some people feel supported with just 1 or 2 sessions over a couple of weeks, others may need more input. The aim of social prescribing is to give a person tools to better identify and manage their own health goals, thus it is not designed as long-term support.
Here is just a handful of what our team has been up to over the past year
Jenifer and Catriona attended a community meal and wellbeing event for people seeking asylum who are staying in Southwark. Thank you to Public Health Southwark and Harris Academy Peckham for hosting!
Gay and Tracey had their own stall at the Camberwell Feel Good Festival, supporting in connecting people to essential services in Southwark.
Our team enjoyed attending IHL's PCN staff event which was a great opportunity to learn more about each other's roles, reflect on our achievements and discuss how we are working together.
The Older People’s Network, supported by Community Southwark and Southwark Charities, arranged a special meeting and funding surgery at the Copleston centre which our social prescribers Gaynor and Tracey enjoyed attending as they had the opportunity to meet funders and VCS organisations all under the same roof.
Our team met with clinicians from SingHealth to discuss social prescribing and how we work within the Primary Care Network. It was great to have a conversation with our colleagues from Singapore and start to build connections globally.
Emma, Natalie and Catriona attended a networking event at the Prince's Trust and enjoyed hearing about the incredible work that the charity is doing.
Catriona attended the Southwark Social Prescribing Network quarterly meeting. It was a great opportunity to make connections with local voluntary and community sector organisations.
Emma and Lamley had a stall at a National Health Day event at Peckham Pulse Leisure Centre. They spoke to residents about key services within the community.
Emma (social prescriber), Lucia (Health and Wellbeing Coach) and Piotr (Mental Health Practitioner) had a stall at the Peckham Community Health Outreach event at the Lister Practice and were busy speaking to local residents about primary care services.
To celebrate the International Day of Older Persons, community groups came together with Southwark Council to host a celebration and information sharing event at Peckham Square. Tracey attended and spoke to local residents about services they could access.
Case Study
Roberta (name changed) is a lady in her seventies who was referred to the social prescribing service by her GP. The social prescriber contacted Roberta to discuss what mattered to her, and to discuss the support that Roberta could be connected to.
Roberta was becoming increasingly isolated due to living alone and felt anxious going out by herself, so would often stay at home and avoid going out. The social prescriber supported with a referral to the South London Cares "Love your neighbour" scheme. Roberta was matched with a befriender who now meets up with her on a regular basis.
They have been doing activities together such as going for coffee and visiting the park and art galleries.
New Roles
We have two exciting new roles within our social prescribing team!
Housing specialist social prescriber
![Image of Terry](/media/content/images/Terry.webp)
Terry-King Emmanuel
Our housing specialist social prescriber has experience in supporting individuals with their housing and related issues.
This can include linking to support for:
- Homelessness
- Temporary accommodation Housing repairs/adaptations Private renting
- Applying for council housing and bidding
- Rent arrears
- Eviction notices
Children and Families Social Prescribers
![Image of Natalie](/media/content/images/Natalie.webp)
Emma Summerhayes
![Image of Emma](/media/content/images/Emma.webp)
Natalie Eccleston
Our children and families social prescribers specialise in working with 5-16 year olds.
Their areas of support include but are not limited to:
- Finding a support, activity group that fits the needs of the young person and their family Housing, debt and benefit issues
- Lifestyle changes
- Informal/formal young carers Links to food banks and low-cost food shopping
- Baby banks
- Children’s Mental Health
Staff Spotlight
Our team would like to give a warm welcome to our newest social prescriber - Natalie Parker, who was previously a care coordinator:
“Hi, I’m Natalie and I’ve just started as a Social Prescribing Link Worker. I chose this job after working closely with social prescribers in a different PCN and saw all the great work they were doing. I’m looking forward to getting started!”
Service Spotlight - Link Age Southwark
Link Age Southwark are a local charity who provide support to older people (60+) who are feeling lonely or isolated. One of their services is the Southwark Information and Support service, in which they can support with financial, practical, health and social isolation issues such as:
- Getting online/ IT support
- Form filling
- Benefits checks
- Finding a befriender or joining a social group Researching activity and exercise groups Support for people living with dementia and their carers
- Finding local services
If you would like to refer yourself or someone you know to this service, please call them on 020 8299 2623.
Find out more about Link Age Southwark and their other services, you can visit their website
Published: Oct 9, 2023