Social Prescribing

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Social prescribing is when patients are referred to support in the community, in order to improve their health and wellbeing. Patients are connected to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support.

This service can help patients if:

They need linking to support for mental and physical health issues, such as smoking cessation and healthy eating
They are feeling isolated and want assistance in becoming more involved in your community
They are struggling with work, housing or money worries

A Social Prescribing Link Worker will work with you to:

Identify what’s matters to you and to create a plan to move forward
Give you the time and confidence to work on underlying issues that affect your health and wellbeing
Connect you to organisations and sources of support in the community and refer you to other organisations where appropriate

The social prescribing is an all age service with children and young people being referred to our CYP Social Prescribing service which is named the The Self Service.

Care Coordinators

Care Coordinators connect patients with the help, care and support they need to manage their long term conditions and to make decisions about their own care.

This service can help patients if they are:

Over 18
Need help finding their way around different health, social care and support services
Have one or more long term conditions (e.g. diabetes, asthma, COPD, CVD, dementia, chronic pain)

A care coordinator can work with you to create a care and support plan that is centred around what matters to you. Work closely with your care givers and the important people in your life to make sure you receive the best possible care. Support you in navigating the health system and accessing local support and services.

Connecting with the Team

Referrals to the team can come through the GP, nursing or admin team as well as via community groups, statutory services and, most importantly, self-referral.

A referral to this service is entirely voluntary. Nobody is obliged to use the service and we welcome all patients who need support who are engaged and happy to work with us

We are unable to support people if they:

Are unable or unwilling to consent
Are currently experiencing crisis
Have a serious mental health diagnosis that is currently unstable. We are happy to accept referrals from patients with a serious mental health diagnosis which is well managed.
Require personal care - this is not something that we are able to provide, however we can signpost the services that may be able to help

The team work across Bridport, Beaminster and Lyme Regis and attend each practice at least twice a week. The team can see patients at their medical surgery, at home or via a telephone or video call.