Taking care of your health involves more than just medicines. Social prescribing is a more holistic approach to looking after your physical and mental wellbeing as well as emotional or practical needs. As a patient of Royal Primary Care you have access to our Social Prescribing Link Workers who are connected to a multitude of local resources such as; volunteering, arts activities, group learning, gardening, befriending, cookery, healthy eating advice and a range of sports. 

Your social prescribing link worker can provide support and/or discuss other options available for: 

• Social Isolation/Loneliness
• Emotional wellbeing
• Healthy lifestyle choices including; stop smoking, physical activity/exercise, weight management, diabetes control, reducing alcohol
• Long term health conditions
• Loss of confidence/purpose
• Poor health linked to housing or housing conditions
• Accessing work, training and volunteering

• Improve your mental and physical health
• Meet new people
• Learn a new skill or participate in a new activity
• Increase confidence and self esteem
• Better quality of life
• Get involved in your community

For example, Bill has been feeling depressed since his wife died (he was her full time carer.)

He is prescribed an anti-depressant but would really like to get out of the house and regain some purpose in his life. The social prescriber has the time and the skills to listen and to help Bill find a range of activities and services available in the local community.

For Bill this might be:

• A health work for exercise, fresh air and company
• Joining a local Men in Sheds or Time-bank to share his skills with others
• Being put in touch with Bereavement Services for emotional support

If you'd like to access our social prescribing link workers, get in touch with one our reception team who can get the process started for you.

This information has been provided by South Hardwick Primary Care Network