Social prescribing was introduced as part of Newham GP services just two years ago, in pre-Covid times with little understanding of how it may look. Now it plays a pivotal role in the Borough.

Social prescribing brings health and social care into one model, and bridges the gap between local voluntary, charitable and faith groups and health and public services.

Building partnerships is what social prescribers do best. They focus on ‘what matters’ to individuals and connect them to services to help them reach their goals.

It is personalised care. Rather than medicalising all life issues, social prescribing takes into account all aspects of life that contribute to how people feel.

GPs know that social prescribing offers a useful alternative to the medical model as a way of improving health and wellbeing.

Like GPs, social prescribers work with the general population: they have an extensive knowledge of the local community and understand how activities and services may benefit overall quality of life.

In Newham, many residents struggle to meet their basic needs. Poor housing and living conditions, lack of food, clothes and social support networks, all contribute to health inequalities. Social prescribing works on multiple levels: from dealing with primary concerns such as accessing food and clothing for the family and children, to supporting people in efforts to improve their lifestyle.

Some social prescribers, for example, support patients with weight management. With obesity on the rise, many patients, including young people who live life with little consideration of their long-term health, are surprised to hear they are in the pre diabetic category. Social prescribing offers them ongoing support via regular sessions, exploring what might work for them, in turn, referring them to appropriate services such as a weight management and exercise programme, or going with them to their first walking group.

You do not have to have a significant problem to seek support, even if you are interested in changing your lifestyle and exploring new interests and hobbies. Social prescribers can help with this too. From community gardening to knitting and games afternoons, whatever the interest, social prescribers are there to help.

If you are looking to improve your overall health and wellbeing, call your GP practice and ask for an appointment with your social prescriber.

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