Social Prescribing Link Worker Service (SPLW)
Social prescribing is a service designed to support people with a wide range of social, emotional or practical needs with the focus on improving mental health and physical well-being.
Social Prescribing Link Workers (SPLWs) provide time to talk and explore what matters to a person.
They link people to a wide range of non-clinical activities which are typically provided by voluntary and community sector organisations. SPLWs work with local partners to support community groups to be accessible, sustainable and where appropriate help people start new groups.
Working hours
Social Prescribers work Monday to Friday, during usual practice opening hours, generally between 08.30 and 17.30. Hours differ by practice.
Appointment information and/or Referral Criteria
Social prescribing works for a wide range of patients, including persons:
with one or more long-term conditions
who need support with low-level mental health
who are lonely or isolated
who have complex social needs which affect their well-being
who are carers
who are frequently attending either primary or secondary health care.
This service is currently only for people over 18. It is not an emergency or urgent care service.
You can access a social prescribing link worker if you are registered with a GP practice. You can be referred by a clinician, GP, Nurse, HCA, pharmacist or anyone who works in your medical practice.
Once a referral has been received, you will be contacted by a social prescribing link worker and offered an appointment.
Locations
GP practice, telephone/virtual or community based, depending on the appointment or activity.
Additional information & links
To find out more about social prescribing:
