Social Prescriber

tracies1996

Hi does anyone know what a social worker prescriber does ? My Gp referred me to one also a counsellor again . She said will help with my housing as trying to move as where I am affects my mental health even more . But I don’t know exactly what they do . Has anyone had one before ? Thank you for reading .
Tracie 🥰

Kimi87

I've not used one myself but there is some information here:

https://socialprescribingacademy.org.uk/what-is-social-prescribing/

https://www.england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/social-prescribing/

tracies1996

Thank you kini87 il have a look . :)

durhamjaide2001

a social prescriber is someone that doesn't subscribe medical advice or medicine but it finds natural things you can do to improve your health like volunteering, gardening or help refer you to other services that can help. For example financial services, help you find a job or or find you a place to live.

tracies1996

Gawd they would have a job sending me gardening 😩🤦‍♀️ lol I don’t leave house unless accompanied by family member . And even that’s at a push . I think she said they will help me around my housing situation, not sure what they will do though . 🤷‍♀️

durhamjaide2001

they might not do that was the only example I thought on the top of my head

Ranald

Dale Vince, who owns Ecotricity and Forest Green Rovers, he is working with an GP turned MP in Gloucestershire, to give free football tickets, to help with depression.

I believe that is an example of social prescribing.

tracies1996

ahh right oh well il see how she can help im on waiting list . Im hoping she helps with housing . :)

Zipz

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/137451/social-prescriber

I saw one… young, inexperienced, with a combination of idealism and egotism that led her to believe that joining more "groups " would help progressive disability. Perhaps I was just unlucky.

I think the support / services SPs offer varies from one area to another and, frankly, in accordance with what the individual SP fancies doing. They seem to lack a common professional qualification / training. From my experience, I dont think they comprehend major lifelong physical disabilities or indeed ASD.

I imagine they could help with your housing issues so good luck 😃

Zipz

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1056413#Comment_1056413

That says so much! A free ticket to a football match / theatre might help "the blues" but would not help someone with a serious depressive disorder.

Kimi87

I think that's a very dismissive attitude.

That football ticket could be the start of that person making small improvements over time, gaining in confidence, leading to better mental health/ improved ability to cope with the challenges they have.

They'd be getting out of their own four walls and meeting like minded people.

I'm single, live alone, childless, it's very easy to get stuck in a rut, it doesn't do me any good to stay home alone all the time, so when my health allows I do hobbies, social groups and am always on the lookout for other opportunities. I've met people who have become friends through getting out and about.

I think social prescribing is a wonderful thing, it can be hard to find things in isolation so having one person who knows about lots is great.

tracies1996

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1056495#Comment_1056495

sorry you had a bad experience I guess yes different ones help with different things . I’ve had it before where a counsellor I seen I didn’t benefit from but others I have I guess . Some ppl also benefit from getting out etc but for me unless with a family member at a push I need just my safe space and home . I have a dog and I go on short walks with my son and the odd time alone but literally on grass next to my house and I have to have a drink and beta blockers ( not ideal I know ) but it’s how I am due to sexual assault . I won’t have anyone in my home unless absolutel necessary and if it’s a maintenance man for instance I have to reschedule appointment until my son can be here with me . I. My anxiety/ptsd is deep rooted so I think il always be this way which makes me frustrated and angry at times for the things that happened in my life . But hopefully with support il manage better . X

JessieJ

My GP put me forward about 4 years ago & I was contacted quite soon after. There were several parts to it. I had a call re housing, benefits & finance, which I didn't need at the time, but I can call them if ever needed in future. Another call was to go for counselling, which, not being a talker, I declined. Another, to get me out joining groups, which… er, not for me, the thought of walking/wheeling into a room full of strangers, nope, so declined. There was something else, but I've forgotten. lol

I actually think it is a really great idea & could help so many people. Anything that you wouldn't find helpful, not a problem, it's there if needed, your choice.

tracies1996

Thank you for reply Jessiej , x hopefully il get some good help from them x