In this blog, Laura from London Plus reflects on her visit to her local social prescribing service…
Yesterday I went to my first appointment with my local social prescriber. I want to join a gym and become fitter in the next six months, so my partner recommended I go and see the social prescriber for a referral to our nearby leisure centre.
I was nervous. Admitting you need support to feel motivated can feel daunting. But the person I met was friendly, warm and welcoming. I felt instantly at ease and there was no judgement, just help.
However, one thing was abundantly clear right from the moment I sat down. This social prescriber was working against all odds. She mentioned that there were six local surgeries and she only has an hour at each per week.
During our session, she gave me a series of leaflets. She apologised because the pages had not printed correctly. It may seem like a little detail, but these things matter – for her, so she can feel pride in her work – and for me, so I feel like I’m engaging in a programme that values me.
I asked if she liked her job and she said yes, she loved helping people. But there simply wasn’t enough hours in the day or funding available.
It occurred to me that being a social prescriber can be lonely. You are often visiting multiple sites for brief periods, you’re supporting people with a myriad of needs, and as soon as a referral is made to help someone, another one comes through the door.
In the past six months, I’ve noticed the term ‘social prescribing’ is being used less and less in London. We’re talking about ‘health inequalities’ instead. Regardless of what we call it, social prescribing is still so vital – and social prescribers need more support than ever.
The London Plus Social Prescribing Network offers this support. It brings together people and organisations in the capital who are delivering social prescribing activities to share knowledge and build connections. And it has never been needed more.
So, if you are a social prescriber, a link worker or community connector in London, we would love to welcome you to our network. We know it can feel like a lonely role, but London Plus is here to help you feel more connected and confident.
