What is social prescribing? 

Social prescribing - sometimes referred to as community referral - is a means of enabling GPs, nurses and other health and care professionals to refer people to a range of local, non-clinical services. Social prescribing is a non-medical prescription which involves engaging with the person and connecting them to the right services for what the individual needs at that time. Trained community link workers are stationed at local GP surgeries or meet people out in the community to discuss their health. 

Social prescribing schemes can involve a variety of activities which are typically provided by voluntary and community sector organisations. 

Issues they can help with include social activities, how to meet new friends, exercise classes to improve mental and physical wellbeing and long term conditions groups; in some areas, debt and welfare support or supporting residents to implement their own community-based projects.

Support available in the East Riding of Yorkshire

For Adults 18+

Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust 

The Health and Wellbeing Advisor and Connector service is part of the Prevention, Wellbeing and Recovery service at Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust. The aim is to offer person centred support and link residents with local community groups and other vital services that offer support and advice to help them. 

Every person at some point will come across challenges in life that affects health in some way. This service supports adults aged 18+ across East Riding to access support that aims to improve overall health and wellbeing and self-care. The Health and Wellbeing Advisor and Connector service will motivate and empower you to make positive changes in the following areas: • Long term health conditions • Dementia • Carers • Food poverty • Fuel poverty • Social isolation • Loneliness • Relationships • Employment • Access to support groups • Volunteering opportunities • Accessing befriending services • Debt • Housing • Social care • Health and wellbeing • Digital technology

You will receive a personalised plan with you being the main focus. We will work with you to develop achievable goals and signpost you to services you wish to be connected too. Health and Wellbeing Advisor and Connectors are friendly, understanding, and supportive, and will accompany you to your first sessions that you have been signposted too if you wish.

How can I seek support from the Health and Wellbeing Advisor and Connector service?

The team are based within various community settings across East Riding including, health trainer shops, libraries, community centres and GP sites. The team also deliver outreach sessions in rural areas to ensure everybody can access the service. Contact us on the telephone or email number provided for more information.

Contact the Health and Wellbeing Advisor and Connector service on:

Tel: 0800 9177752

Email: hnf-tr.socialprescribing@nhs.net

Twitter: @SPrescribingER

For more information visit YOURHealth site

For children 12+ & Young adults

More information about this new service delivered by Yorkshire Health Care Partners, will be available shortly. If you need to contact someone about this service - please contact the Senior Project Manager, Philippa Boyntnon at: philippa.boynton@nhs.net.

Other resources

The National Academy for Social Prescribing is a relatively new charitable organisation dedicated to the advancement of social prescribing through promotion, collaboration and innovation. One of their key objectives is to raise the profile of social prescribing - visit their website for more insights and sign up to their new weekly podcast 'Podcast on Prescription'. website