Social Prescribing
Available for patients registered at Charter Medical Centre, Trinity Medical Centre or WellBN
What is Social Prescribing?
Social Prescribing takes a whole-person approach to health and wellbeing. It considers the wider factors that might be impacting a person's wellbeing such as; secure housing, financial worries, social isolation, lifestyle factors, and access to creativity and culture.
A Social Prescribing Link Worker takes the time to learn and listen what is important to you.
Asks ‘What matters to you?’ not ‘What’s the matter with you?’
Our Social Prescribers can support you to..
Hera Great Outdoors
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Our Social Prescribers understand the positive effects of being outdoors and how this can lead towards better health. We know that people living with ongoing health conditions are less likely to access green spaces and spend less time in nature.
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"I want just to say thank you for your amazing and kind support during the South Down workshop, part of HERA GO. Before the workshop, I’d been thinking for almost a year about travelling by myself to this location, because I really needed some walking in the countryside and to reconnect with nature. Unfortunately, I was unable to get there alone due to my PTSD, so I was feeling frustrated, I didn’t know what to do with myself or my feelings. When I saw the possibility to realise that [wish] with your workshops, I was so happy and grateful! Going there in a group, connecting with other people, doing different activities like art and photography and other interesting things was beautiful. My mood, at the end of the day, was definitely better! Sometimes simple things can really make a difference."
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We are looking forward to arranging more trips involving exploring being outdoors, if you are interested in being involved please fill out the below form.
So, who makes up the Social Prescribing Team?
And why do they believe in this work?
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Elizabeth 'Lizzy' West
Social Prescribing Team Leader, Lead Officer, Migrant Support
“It is meaningful work and involves working directly with people to understand their needs. There have been a lot of challenges for so many over the last few years, more so than ever before. I have always been interested and driven to find ways to support and develop communities and individuals. Together we are stronger and every person has something unique they can express and share with others. It is not easy to always feel this if you are struggling, but hopefully with the right setting, support or some creativity it becomes more possible to do so.”
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Madeline Budd
Social Prescriber
“I enjoy listening to people’s stories and seeing what support I can offer them. It is always lovely to watch as people form connections and find little pockets of joy in their life.”
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Daniel Blomfield
Green Social Prescribing Lead and Photo-walks Facilitator
"Connection, creativity and sharing have always been important parts of my life, and Social Prescribing has all 3. Connecting people to local services, communities and activities. Creating a safe space for people to grow and express themselves on their own terms. And sharing these experiences amongst peers, reinforcing a new belief in themselves and inspiring others in hard times.”
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Tess Anderson
Digital Inclusion Lead & Social Prescriber
“Access to community, connection and creativity are integral to our health and wellbeing. These networks support us to not only survive, but thrive. Having the time to sit, listen and learn what is important to a person and work together to make those positive community links is a great privilege. Our monthly coffee mornings full of chatter, creativity and laughter are just one example of the joy to be found in social prescribing.“
Don’t delay, contact Hera today!
Next steps:
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Check your eligibility
We accept referrals from patients registered at WellBN, Charter Medical Centre and Trinity Medical Centre.
If you are not registered at any of these Practices, speak to your registered GP who can refer you to the service linked to their Practice.
You can self-refer or ask your health and social care support staff to refer you. Self-referral form below.
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Triaging
A Social Prescriber will check your referral and signpost to any relevant services.
They will then refer for one-to-one support with a Social Prescriber and/or our Creative Health programme.
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Wider Creative Resources
After triaging, you will have access to the Creative Health Programme and one-to-one support to enhance your health and wellbeing.
