Many things affect your physical health and mental wellbeing.

Sometimes people need a little help in dealing with the things life throws at them and often they don't know where to turn for help and support. Social prescribing is the process of linking individuals with people, groups or activities in the local area that can help them make some positive steps in overcoming the challenges that they are facing improving their happiness, health and wellbeing.

Social Prescribing Link Workers act as the connector between individuals and the services and activities available in the local area and they will provide support in accessing these services.

Link Workers take a holistic approach to health and wellbeing and spend time with you to focus on ‘what matters to you’. They will then work with you and support you to connect with the most appropriate service.

Link workers also support existing community groups to be accessible and sustainable, and help people to start new groups if they find a gap in the local services.

You can be referred to a link worker by a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional or member of your practice team.

Your Social Prescribing Link Worker can help you with:

• Social isolation and loneliness
• Getting active
• Healthy eating
• Mental health
• Education and learning
• Housing
• Financial support

Your link worker may not have all the answers to your questions but they will know where you can find relevant help and information and will support you in accessing it.

This is not an exhaustive list so please speak to a member of your practice team if you would like to arrange an appointment with your link worker to find out how they can help you.

More on Social Prescribing

If you are interested in finding out more about social prescribing please see the NHS England Social Prescribing webpage where you can learn more about social prescribing and find links to further information or click here to view a shot video that gives a simple overview of social prescribing.

Support and Activities in Buckinghamshire

To find out about the support and activities available in Buckinghamshire you can visit the Bucks Online Directory where you can search for groups and activities in your local area.

To find out about support and activities in and around Thame visit Thame Community Directory.