Many of the factors that affect our health can't be addressed by doctors alone — that's where Social Prescribers come in. They take a holistic approach to care, offering both practical and emotional support.

By listening to individuals' needs, they connect them to services that help them engage with what truly matters to them.
On 19 March, it's Social Prescriber's Day, so to celebrate it, we sat down with Kate, who works as a Social Prescriber across two different GP practices in the West of the Borough.

“Today I met a young person who was incredibly distressed as they had been struggling to make the switch from Employment and Support Allowance to Universal Credit. They aren't tech savvy, struggle with poor literacy and chronic depression and have been passed around from pillar to post. I was able to log in to the system and get them the help they needed. The relief showed on their face.  

I see on average 50 patients a week who have been referred to me by nurses or GPs. Being a Social Prescriber is all about taking the time to actively listen to people and help them feel heard and supported.  The role is incredibly varied, some days it involves me making phone calls to support people with care package referrals or advocate on their behalf. Other days I run in-person sessions for people who have just been diagnosed with a long-term health condition and have been referred to me by the GP to help them access different types of support to help them cope better. Many of my patients are older people who struggle with social isolation or are people with complex mental health needs.

Every day I feel like I help people feel slightly better about their situation as they feel heard and listened to." "