Social Prescribers

A social prescriber works with patients and their families to explore and help them access a range of local community services that provide practical or emotional support and guidance of a non-medical nature.

About Social Prescribers

The role is hugely varied and rewarding with opportunities to make a difference and improve the health and wellbeing of people in the community and enable people to remain independent and live their best lives. Working alongside the practice team, social prescribers can help free up the capacity of other healthcare professionals to help patients in need of medical support.

The role involves researching local services and support, liaising with community contacts and local services, spending time listening to patients and understanding their needs, supporting them to develop a plan of action and liaising with and supporting other members of the practice team.

Profile

Name: Rudi Hendon-John

Job title: Social Prescriber

Location: Central and West Wight Health Alliance Primary Care Network

“I work as a Social Prescriber across a number of GP practices in the Central and West Wight Health Alliance Primary Care Network. I have been working in community-based roles on the Island for the last few years and really enjoy the huge variety of work that brings and the opportunity I have to make a real difference to people’s lives.

“The topics I deal with on a day-to-day basis are extremely varied; one minute I can be supporting someone with an eating disorder, or someone trying to lose weight, the next someone who is isolated and lonely or someone experiencing domestic abuse or suffering from anxiety. I work closely with them and often with their family or wider support structures, to research and provide information and contacts that enable them to help themselves and get on the right track to improving their lives.

“The best bit of the job? Well that’s when they don’t need you anymore, that’s when you know you’ve done your job well.”