1. Social Prescribing in Torfaen
Presenter: Emma Davies, Collaboration & Improvement Officer
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2. Social Prescribing in Torfaen
I haven’t got time to think about all of that…. I’ve just had a letter from my landlord threatening eviction, my benefits have been stopped and my daughter has just dropped out of school…..
It would really help your blood pressure if you ate healthily, gave up smoking and took some exercise
Social Prescribing in Torfaen
Emma Davies, Collaboration & Improvement Officer

3. Let’s have a conversation…….
and find you the right support.

4. From the simple……. Charlotte has autism and struggles with anxiety.
In receipt of benefits; 10 hours ‘permitted work’ a week
Frequent letters requesting fit notes
Call to DWP removed need for fit notes reducing anxiety & number of GP appointments.
Huge difference to health and wellbeing
Charlotte was referred to the social prescribing service for benefit support. The DWP had been asking for fit notes every few week to support her ESA claim as she was completing 10 hours permitted work each week. She was sent letters every few weeks requesting fit notes or her benefits would stop. Miss C has autism and struggles with anxiety so the letters and booking appointments at the surgery every few weeks were very distressing. A simple call to the DWP helped relieve all the anxiety and worry that had been suffered over the months. She would no longer have to send fit notes and they would stop sending any correspondence unless necessary. Miss C left the surgery smiling and very happy that she could carry on with the work she enjoyed. She no longer had to attend regular GP appointments which was beneficial to her and the GP practice; freeing up much needed appointments. Some simple support had made a big difference to her health and wellbeing.

5. …….to the more complex
John gave up work 10 months ago following an attack; increasingly isolated.
Rent arrears, other debts and no income.
5 appointments: help to apply for benefits, access Citizens Advice, engage with employment support and set goals
“Without your help I would have stayed stuck in a rut; its nice to feel listened to, not be judged and to get the support I need”

6. How is everything going
How is everything going? Do you feel ready to think about how you might live a healthier lifestyle?
Things are much better now that I’m getting the help I need. I’ve just started an employment support programme and think I’m ready to try that healthy lifestyle
“It means we can deal with the patients’ medical problems and treatment – rather than social problems, which I can do little about”