Social prescribing help available in Spelthorne

Spelthorne Council offers one-to-one appointments with a Social Prescribing Link Worker who can talk to residents about factors affecting their health and organise suitable assistance via a network of local community and voluntary organisations. They can help with a wide range of needs, including:

• remaining independent at home
• opportunities for social interaction
• practical help, such as cooking, transport, shopping
• physical activity
• benefits and budgeting advice
• housing options advice and home adaptations
• mental or emotional support
• support around a disability

A resident recently contacted the team for help after they had experienced financial problems and poor mental health after losing their job. The team were able to offer lots of advice about benefits and put him in touch with a counselling service to help him manage his low mood. He was also referred to the Spelthorne Job & Skills Hub which helped him find a full-time job in a new career field. He said the help given had made a huge difference to his confidence and given him a new purpose in life.

Cllr Susan Doran, Chair of Spelthorne's Community Wellbeing and Housing Committee, said: "Social prescribing gives residents time to talk with a trained advisor and agree a plan of action to help them improve their health and wellbeing and put them back in charge of their life. GPs tell us that a lot of people visit them feeling isolated or lonely, or they might be stressed by work, money issues or housing problems. Sometimes it's the strain of managing different long-term conditions. Some people would like to make changes such as being more active, losing weight or stopping smoking. If you think we can help, please do get in touch."

The service is currently available to residents aged over 18 who are registered with a Spelthorne GP.  To find out more or refer yourself for an appointment, visit Social Prescribing, email socialprescribing@spelthorne.gov.uk or call 01784 446464. You can also speak to your GP about getting a referral.