How social prescribers are making a difference

Sam said; 'What starts as a regular conversation with a patient can highlight other issues … There has definitely been more isolation, loneliness and anxiety since the pandemic started.'

Linsey said: 'I used to work in criminal justice and, although this is a very different arena, there can be common issues around accommodation, finance and mental health. It is about supporting patients of all ages to get better outcomes.'

Caroline, whose background is in Citizens' Advice, said: 'It is a great job, we love it, it is nice to be able to help and support people and we really work closely as a team.'

Paula was a receptionist then healthcare assistant before joining the social prescribing team. She is now a care co-ordinator for the PCN, working with those classed as severely frail: 'You can see someone from start to finish and see how they have progressed and their life has improved.'

Team leader Kareema McCarthy said: 'Some patients just need one or two appointments while others may need longer term support. It is very rewarding to see the progress that they make. We tailor their care individually and that could include more physical exercise, such as taking part in an organised health walk, mindfulness exercises, or being put in touch with other support agencies. Patients often take the time to give us individual feedback about how our intervention has made a real difference to them.'

The team helps patients with: weight management and gym, mild mental health issues, community engagement, loneliness and isolation, financial difficulties, substance misuse, accommodation, adult social care, bereavement, stopping smoking, befriending, counselling and occupational therapy.

The Northants Stop Smoking team said: 'A huge thank you to you and your colleagues for the volume of referrals you've sent our way this year. Since April Lakeside has referred more than 100 patients to the Northamptonshire Stop Smoking Service, and many of them have gone on to successfully stop smoking with our support. Lakeside is one of the top referring practices in the county, and for that we are truly grateful.'

Patient feedback has included the following:

• 'Just being able to talk to someone who actually listens and lets you explain how you're feeling really helps. Thank you, Sam.'
• 'What a fantastic source of support. Paula has been amazing and invaluable to me during a very difficult time. I called the surgery, in complete honesty, wanting a 'magic pill' and was initially very averse to this route. How glad I am that a month down the line I am feeling stronger and glad that medication wasn't prescribed to 'fix' me.'
• 'I was extremely low when I first had contact with Caroline. She is brilliant and seems to know what I need. Either to listen to me when I need it or to advise … I don't know how I would have got through the last few months without her. She has the time to support you. I am feeling a lot more positive than I was.'
• 'It was the initial support from Linsey that led me to a successful recovery in the end.'
• 'My link worker was supporting and understanding to my needs. An extended appointment was made which made me feel at ease and gave me tools to build myself up slowly. I didn't know something like this was available. It was insightful and very informative and I would recommend to many people as it gives you focus.'
• 'Kareema was very positive and gave me confidence to join Slimming World. Nearly four weeks in I have lost nearly a stone and feel if Kareema wasn't as supportive on my first visit I might not have joined. Her positivity rubbed off on me.'