How Social Prescribing Works at Cygnet PCN

At Cygnet PCN, our social prescribing service is designed to complement the clinical care provided by our practices. We believe that supporting patients with non-clinical needs can have a profound impact on their overall health and quality of life.

1. Personalised Support:
   Our social prescribing link workers take the time to get to know each patient, understanding their individual circumstances, concerns, and goals. Together, they develop a personalised plan that focuses on improving the patient’s wellbeing through community-based activities and support services.
2. Community Connections:
   We work closely with local voluntary organisations, community groups, and public health services to offer a wide range of support options, including
   
   • Social clubs and befriending services to combat loneliness
   • Physical activity programs such as walking groups and exercise classes
   • Financial and housing advice services
   • Mental health support, including counselling and mindfulness sessions
   • Volunteering opportunities to promote social engagement and purpose
3. Long-Term Impact:
   Social prescribing is designed to have a long-term, positive impact on patients’ lives by helping them to develop the tools and confidence to manage their own health. Patients who engage with social prescribing often report improvements in their mental and physical health, increased social interaction, and a better overall sense of wellbeing.

Who Can Benefit from Social Prescribing?

Social prescribing can benefit anyone who may be struggling with factors that affect their health and wellbeing, particularly individuals who:

• Feel socially isolated or lonely
• Are experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, or depression
• Need support with lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, stopping smoking, or increasing physical activity
• Have long-term conditions and want help managing the wider impact of their illness
• Face practical challenges like housing, employment, or financial difficulties

At Cygnet PCN, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live well and feel connected to their community. Social prescribing provides the tools to help people lead healthier, more fulfilled lives by addressing the root causes of their concerns.

The Role of Social Prescribing Link Workers

Our social prescribing link workers are at the heart of this service. They work closely with individuals to listen, understand their needs, and guide them through the available support options. Link workers act as a bridge between the patient and the community, helping them to access resources that they might not otherwise be aware of.

Key responsibilities of link workers include:

• Developing trusting relationships with patients
• Creating personalised action plans that align with the patient’s goals
• Providing ongoing support, encouragement, and follow-up to ensure progress
• Facilitating connections with local community resources and services
• Helping individuals build confidence and resilience to manage their health more effectively

Link workers play an essential role in empowering individuals to improve their health outside of the traditional healthcare setting, ensuring that they receive holistic care that addresses all aspects of their wellbeing.

The Benefits of Social Prescribing

The impact of social prescribing can be transformative for patients, their families, and the wider healthcare system. Benefits include:

• Improved mental and physical health:
  Patients often report reduced anxiety, better mood, and improved physical fitness after engaging with social prescribing services.
• Reduced social isolation:
  Many individuals feel more connected to their community, forming new friendships and participating in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
• Greater control over health:
  Social prescribing encourages self-management and empowers patients to take control of their health through positive lifestyle changes.
• Facilitating connections with local community resources and services
• Reduced pressure on healthcare services:
  By addressing non-medical needs, social prescribing helps reduce the demand for GP appointments and emergency services, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on those with acute clinical needs.

Link workers play an essential role in empowering individuals to improve their health outside of the traditional healthcare setting, ensuring that they receive holistic care that addresses all aspects of their wellbeing.

Our Community Partners

We are proud to partner with a range of local voluntary organisations, community groups, and public services to deliver our social prescribing service. By working together, we ensure that our patients have access to the support they need, whether it's mental health services, social clubs, or financial advice. Some of our partners include:

• Local councils and public health teams
• Voluntary and charity organisations
• Mental health and wellbeing services
• Facilitating connections with local community resources and services
• Physical activity groups
• Housing and financial advice services

Get Involved in Social Prescribing

If you feel that you or someone you know could benefit from social prescribing, speak to your GP or healthcare professional at Cygnet PCN. They can refer you to one of our social prescribing link workers, who will work with you to identify your needs and connect you with the right support.

Social prescribing is about more than just treating symptoms—it’s about addressing the root causes of health issues and helping individuals live healthier, more fulfilling lives. At Cygnet PCN, we are committed to supporting our patients in every aspect of their health, and social prescribing is a key part of that commitment.