East Herts Social Prescribing Service

Social Prescribing – What is it? Social prescribing (community referrals) is a means of enabling primary care services to refer patients with social, emotional or practical needs to a range of non-clinical services.

Aim and Objectives Aim: To reduced GP practices and their staff appointment time for individuals and focus on social, wellbeing and practical need Objectives: Supports those with one or more long term conditions Social prescribing activities provided through partner networks To signpost individuals to engage and strengthen their social and/or health activities. Enhance community based model which will support a holistic approach

Area of Focus Main focus: Stort Valley and Villages Locality Group Area Secondary focus: Upper Lea Valley Locality Group Main focus: Stort Valley and Villages Locality Group Area – 5 practices population 60,000 Secondary focus: Upper Lea Valley Locality Group with support of Community Wellbeing & expansion of Community Navigator approach to East - 12 practices population 90-100,00

Target audience GP identified residents living with mild depression experiencing isolation and/or loneliness

Partner Support Identifying suitable partners Understanding their SP offer Value of less visible partners Understanding and enabling capacity

Delivery Mechanism

Next Steps Work closely with established scheme partially established by HCT and Age UK in Stort Valley and Villages Locality Compliment the East Herts approach with Hertfordshire STP Prevention model Develop & enable Partner provision of Social Prescribing Activities Work with Community Wellbeing and Locality Groups and local delivery partners Establish local scheme early 2018

What does this mean for you? Health Professionals will have a greater awareness of the facilities and support provided by your Village Hall Opportunity to offer classes at non-peak times Opportunity to be part of the wider national health agenda for Public Health England

Questions Contact: Kathrine Foy Social Prescribing Co-Ordinator Email: kathrine.foy@eastherts.gov.uk Tel: 01992 531472 Twitter: @PublicHealthEHC