NHS launches recruitment drive for social prescribing link workers
In a bid to help combat loneliness and isolation fuelled by the coronavirus pandemic, the NHS has stepped up its recruitment efforts for social prescribing link workers.
Already, more than 1,200 of these workers are helping people improve their mental health and get more exercise through participation in a wide range of activities, from gardening to ballroom dancing.
Now, in order to further capitalise on the successes already achieved, the NHS is fast-tracking recruitment of an additional 500 workers, who will work alongside family doctors and a growing number of primary care clinical staff in order to provide more than 125,000 people per year personalised support.
One in five people who visit a GP surgery do not have a medical problem but could benefit from a healthier lifestyle or greater social interaction.
Introduced as part of a range of measures last year, social prescribing link workers will spend time with patients to understand the reasons for them seeking help and support people getting involved with activities to boost their activeness, socialisation and wellbeing.
The NHS made a commitment to employ 1,000 social prescribers by March 2021 as part of the Long Term Plan – a target it has already surpassed.
To find out more about the social prescribing efforts undertaken by the NHS, follow the link below:
