Social Prescribing
Supporting Your Health and Wellbeing
At our clinic, we understand that health and wellbeing aren’t just about medical care — they’re about feeling connected, supported, and in control of your life. That’s where social prescribing comes in.
Social prescribing helps you take care of the things in life that matter most to you. It’s an approach that connects you to activities, groups, and services in your community to address the practical, social, and emotional challenges that might be affecting your health.
Whether you need a helping hand, someone to talk to, or a new way to engage with your local community, social prescribing is here to help.
You can contact us via email: hweicbwe.lbcwellbeingteam@nhs.net
Social prescribing is about more than just healthcare—it’s about you. It starts with a simple question: “What matters to me?”
Our social prescribing link workers are here to give you the time to explore what’s important in your life and to help you focus on your goals. Together, we’ll create a personalised care and support plan that’s tailored to your needs.
Social prescribing can help you feel more in control of your health and wellbeing by linking you to local opportunities such as:
- Community groups and activities
- Social clubs and support networks
- Volunteering opportunities
- Advice and information services
- Classes or hobbies to improve your mental and physical wellbeing.
Social prescribing is for everyone, but it’s particularly helpful for people who might feel overwhelmed or in need of extra support. It works especially well for:
- Those with long-term health conditions: If you’re managing ongoing health issues like diabetes, arthritis, or heart disease, social prescribing can connect you to resources that make day-to-day life easier.
- People experiencing low-level mental health challenges: If you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or low, social prescribing can link you to activities and groups that can improve your mood and give you the tools to feel better.
- Anyone feeling lonely or isolated: If you’re finding it hard to meet people or feel connected to your community, social prescribing can help you find new social connections and a sense of belonging.
- Those with complex social needs: Sometimes life’s challenges—like housing issues, financial concerns, or caring responsibilities—can have a big impact on your health. Social prescribing can help you access the right support to tackle these challenges.
Here’s how we’ll work together:
- Talk to your GP or healthcare professional: They can refer you to one of our social prescribing link workers. You can also self-refer by contacting use via email.
- Your first meeting: You’ll have a relaxed chat with a social prescribing worker to talk about what matters most to you.
- Personalised care plan: Together, we’ll create a simple, personalised plan that works for you.
- Connecting you to support: We’ll help you find and connect with local services, groups, or activities that can make a real difference in your life.
- Ongoing support: You’re not alone. We’ll stay in touch to ensure you’re feeling supported and on track.
The goal of social prescribing is simple: to help you feel happier, healthier, and more connected to your community. By focusing on the things that matter most to you, social prescribing can help you take small steps towards big improvements in your quality of life.
If you think social prescribing could help you, simply speak to your GP, any health professionals or email us directly. We’re here to listen, support, and connect you to the right resources.
Let’s work together to put you at the heart of your health and wellbeing.
To contact a member of the team – please email hweicbwe.lbcwellbeingteam@nhs.net
Befriending
Befriending
Befriending is a service that provides support and companionship to individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Volunteers are matched with people in need, and they offer regular, friendly contact to brighten their day and provide emotional support. This support can be given through phone calls, in-person visits, or even through meeting in the local community. The goal of befriending is to reduce loneliness and isolation, improve mental wellbeing, and help individuals feel more connected to their community.
Befriending services available:
Essex Wellbeing Service: Social Isolation
Phone: 0300 303 9988
Self-referral link: Personal Details | Assessment Platform
Once a referral has been made, the EWS team can review health and wellbeing needs and connect the individual to the appropriate support, such as a befriending coordinator.
Essex Home Help
Self-refer: 07536 993764 / 01245 806440 or email: essexhomehelpservice@gmail.com
Essex Home Help provides a sitting and companionship service for £22.50 per hour. They also offer free telephone befriending. This is where the same volunteer calls on the same day at the same time each week to combat loneliness and isolation.
NHS Volunteer Responders
Self-referral link: GoodSAM
Volunteer form: GoodSAM
NHS Volunteer Responders provide telephone support for individuals in need. These can be Check In and Chat Calls (friendly chats to reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing from different volunteers each time) or Companionship Calls (from the same volunteer up to 3 calls per week for 6 weeks).
Volunteers Needed
These befriending services rely on the kindness and dedication of volunteers, and they are currently in need of more volunteers to ensure they can continue providing this invaluable support. Whether you have a little time to offer each week or are looking for a way to give back to your community, your help could make a huge difference! If you are friendly, love to chat with people, and enjoy making new connections, please let these services know that you would be interested in becoming a volunteer.
Wellbeing walk
During Mental Health Awareness Week in May, in which the chosen theme was ‘anxiety’, the PCN Personalised Care Team and local community partners organised a community wellbeing walk from Buckhurst Way Clinic to Roding Valley. The event concluded with light refreshments at Buckhurst Way Clinic. Anxiety is a prevalent mental health issue, and engaging in outdoor exercise and connecting with others can help promote positive mental wellbeing. Approximately 24 individuals took part in the walk and expressed their enjoyment and satisfaction with the event.
‘What was also refreshing was to meet like-minded people who are all going through their own issues ,such as anxiety, rehabilitation, loneliness amongst other issues. This event brought us all together, and the walk was very therapeutic’ Participant from Loughton.
The PCN Personalised Care Team, in collaboration with local partners, intends to organise additional health and wellbeing activities such as Wellbeing Wednesdays and community gardening project in the coming months.
