Social Prescribing at St.Katharine Docks Practice
Health and wellbeing are influenced by many factors, including housing, employment, loneliness, financial concerns, caring responsibilities, and social isolation.
Social Prescribing helps connect patients with practical support, community services, and local organisations that can improve their health and wellbeing.
At St.Katharine Docks Practice, we can refer eligible patients to our Social Prescribing Link Workers.
What is a Social Prescriber?
A Social Prescriber is a non-clinical professional who works with patients to understand what matters to them and help them access support within their local community.
They can provide personalised support and help people take greater control of their health and wellbeing.
Social Prescribers work alongside GPs, nurses and other healthcare professionals as part of the wider primary care team.
How Can a Social Prescriber Help?
A Social Prescriber may be able to support you with:
- Loneliness and social isolation
- Emotional wellbeing and confidence building
- Housing concerns
- Debt, benefits and financial difficulties
- Employment, training and volunteering opportunities
- Bereavement support
- Carer support
- Accessing community groups and activities
- Physical activity and healthy lifestyle services
- Support for long-term health conditions
- Connecting with local charities and voluntary organisations
Who Can Be Referred?
Patients aged 18 and over who would benefit from additional non-medical support may be referred.
This service may be particularly helpful if social, emotional or practical issues are affecting your health and wellbeing.
What Happens After a Referral?
Following referral:
- A Social Prescriber will contact you.
- They will discuss your needs and personal goals.
- Together you will develop a plan of support.
- They may help you access local services, community groups, charities and other sources of support in Tower Hamlets.
Appointments may be offered by telephone, video call or face-to-face, depending on availability and your needs.
Examples of Support Available
Our Social Prescribers may be able to help patients access:
- Community activities and social groups
- Exercise and wellbeing programmes
- Welfare benefits advice services
- Housing support services
- Carers' support organisations
- Bereavement services
- Mental health and wellbeing resources
- Volunteering opportunities
- Local community and faith-based organisations
How to Access the Service
You can ask a GP, nurse, healthcare assistant, pharmacist, care coordinator or other member of the practice team for a referral.
If you feel that social, practical or emotional concerns are affecting your health, please contact the practice and ask whether a referral to the Social Prescribing Service would be appropriate.
Benefits of Social Prescribing
Social Prescribing can help patients:
- Improve confidence and wellbeing
- Feel more connected to their community
- Reduce loneliness and isolation
- Access practical advice and support
- Improve their ability to manage long-term conditions
- Enhance overall quality of life
Contact Us
If you would like to find out more about the Social Prescribing Service, please contact St.Katharine Docks Practice and speak to a member of our team.
Our Social Prescribing Service supports patients across the network to improve their health, wellbeing and independence.