Social Prescribing

Please note, this service is not available outside Age UK Solihull - Head Office's catchment area.

Email: admin@solihullcommunityhub.org.uk
Telephone: 0121 709 7590

Social Prescribing is a means of enabling GPs and other frontline healthcare professionals to refer patients to a link worker known as a Social Prescriber.

The Social Prescriber will provide one-to-one support to the patient with any non-medical issues that may be affecting their overall health and wellbeing.

The Social Prescriber will work with the patient to find their own individual solutions and help each patient to put together a support plan or ‘social prescription’, that can be worked through together at a pace suitable to each patient.

Social Prescribing can help you to explore what services are available to you that might be able to support you to improve your health, wellbeing and independence.

How does Social Prescribing work?

You will need to have been referred to our Social Prescribing team by a GP at one of the surgeries we work with. We will then contact you to discuss your needs and arrange a face-to-face appointment, which could be in your home, at your surgery or elsewhere in the community.

With your Social Prescriber you will be able to:
- explore what is important for your life and wellbeing
- identify the local activities and services you can benefit from
- gain support and encouragement to start using services that can help you

How can Social Prescribing help me?

Social Prescribing can link you with many services in your community to help you help yourself. These may include:
- healthy lifestyle services
- arts, music, outdoors and creative activities
- befriending, counselling and other support groups
- housing, benefits and financial support and advice
- employment and, volunteering
- education, training and learning
- getting involved in local groups and activities
- accessing specialist services and support.

The surgeries we work with

Solihull Central Primary Care Network is made up of four local GP practices:

• Grafton Road Surgery
• Hobs Moat Medical Centre
• Richmond Road Medical Centre
• St Margaret's Medical Practice

Together, these four surgeries are working with Age UK Solihull to provide the Social Prescribing Service. If you would like to know more or speak to a Social Prescriber, please contact your GP Practice for a referral.