Social prescribing

Our social prescribing link workers help patients to get the right support from many different services, not just health services.

There are lots of issues that can affect your physical health and overall wellbeing.

These could be things like feeling socially isolated, having housing issues, financial problems.

It is not only your GP who can support you to feel better.

Social Prescribers use a more holistic approach and can support patients with a wide range of social, emotional, or practical needs.

Check below if you could benefit from a Social Prescriber and what they offer.

Inclusion criteria

People can get support from the Social Prescribing Link Worker (SPLW) if they:

1. Are aged 18 or over.
2. Have several non-medical problems that make life difficult.
3. Need help getting into or using health services in Newcastle.
4. Are struggling with things that affect their wellbeing, such as:
   • Housing issues
   • Money, benefits or debt problems
   • Homelessness
   • Domestic abuse or violence
   • Emergency support with food, gas, or electricity
   • Help with aids and home adaptations
   • Feeling lonely or cut off from others
   • Being a veteran and needing support
   • Living with or caring for someone
   • Support to live a healthier lifestyle (e.g. food, exercise)
5. Want to meet people and be more involved in their local community
6. Need help to find and get in touch with other support services.
7. Live in the Outer West of Newcastle AND meet the criteria.

Exclusion criteria

People cannot be supported by the SPLW service if they:

1. Need mental health treatment like:
   • Talking therapy (e.g. CBT, DBT, EMDR, counselling) (Link Workers are not trained therapists. They will refer people to specialist services if needed)
2. Letters that give a medical opinion e.g.
   • Letters about whether someone is fit to fly (Link Workers are not healthcare professionals and cannot give medical opinions)
3. Need someone to run errands or provide hands-on support. For example:
   • Giving lifts in a personal car
   • Shopping or collecting medication
   • Giving medication
   • Visiting in hospital
   • Helping with washing, dressing or personal care
   • Helping with house moves or cleaning
   • Managing money directly (e.g. using bank cards or paying bills)
4. Need advice or help with medication or treatment plans.
5. Need legal advice. For example:
   • Divorce, child contact, housing agreements, inheritance or wills (Link Workers are not legally trained. They will signpost people to expert services)
6. Need support to travel outside of Newcastle.
7. Need help filling in Personal Independence Payment (PIP) forms.
   • SPLWs will signpost people to trained benefits or welfare rights advisors.
   • They may still offer some support and information during the process.

Self referral form

Please complete the online form below if you meet the inclusion criteria.