Living Well Connectors give people time, focusing on ‘what matters to me’ and taking a holistic approach to people’s health and wellbeing. They connect people to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support.
Social prescribing works for a wide range of people, including people:
• with one or more long-term conditions
• who need support with their mental health
• who are lonely or isolated
• who have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing
Lots of things have a negative impact on health and wellbeing, including lack of money, poor education, quality of housing, low self-esteem, isolation, relationship difficulties, and both physical and mental health problems. It is estimated that 20-40% of patients consult their GP for primarily social problems, including social welfare advice. A 10 minute GP consultation isn’t enough to cover multiple health conditions – let alone wider social issues! Social Prescribing can reduce pressure on services – including GPs, social care and A&E and most importantly, it has shown benefits in 3 key areas – mental health outcomes, community wellbeing and social exclusion.
Surgeries
Covers the 5 GP surgeries across the SWAN locality
Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth, Kessingland and Southwold
What our patients say
“Its given me so much strength working with you…”
Ms P (63yr old Cancer patient)
“Thankyou so much for all your support, I love our little chats, and all set to hit the scales tomorrow. I intend to try and get myself out of this depressive rut with your help, I guess little steps are better than none at all. See you next week and once again I really do appreciate your help with everything.”
Mrs B (56yrs Osteoarthritis/depression)
“I feel a bit wanted. People want to be in my company and want to invite me to places. I feel like ME. Not a mum or a wife. Its me…”
Mrs S (56yrs brain surgery/bereavement)
“This was just what I needed… my confidence is on the way up.”
Mrs L(42 yr old pre diabetes/bipolar)
“I feel stronger to not get so low and feel good in myself so I don’t cry all the time. I’m doing things now and seeing people and feeling useful. Sometimes I might lie in bed because I had nothing particular to do and not get up. Now I get out of bed because I have things to do. It gives me a lift.”
Mr P (70yr old bereaved)
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Meet just a few of our team:
Beth Stephens | Social Prescribing Coordinator
“I have the pleasure of leading our skilled and passionate team of connectors, delivering the Social Connections service across south Waveney. I’m a walking talking social prescribing story, having discovered the benefits of hiking and then running on both my physical and emotional wellbeing. I feel privileged to be part of an exciting time of change for the way health services are delivered. I’m proud of the creative and innovative service we have built for and with our patients. It empowers individuals to make positive changes to their lives.”
Alexis Devereux | Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner
“No matter where my journey through life leads, I’m always drawn home to the comfort and security offered by my community. The family, friends and neighbours that reside there, give me the strength to meet all of the challenges that arrive at my door. The reason I love social prescribing so much, is that it gives me the opportunity to build the same kind of resilience around those who face barriers to social inclusion and the multiple challenges that arise out of social isolation.”
Wendy Mc Roberts | Living Well Connector
“I joined the team in Jan 2020, I really enjoy making a difference to peoples lives. Its uplifting not only for them, but for me to, seeing their confidence grow and social connections multiply. When you see a person go from zero to hero, where they can also support others who are just beginning their journey.”
Phil Love | Living Well Connector
“I have worked in care and health services since I left school and have now found a job that frees up my creativity. My role includes helping people develop at their own pace utilising strengths they might have overlooked. This often means people adding value to the communities in which they live.
I love the variety in my job and I find I can use my experience and skills to link people in to services that can help enrich and promote their wellbeing for the long term.”