Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Work

Chat with other users about all things related to working life on our Work forum.

Flip

Original poster

Is anyone a Social Prescriber here?

21 replies

Teacake22 · 11/01/2023 21:56

Just curious to know bit more of your role? Are you attached to a GP surgery or CMHT?

I understand it’s about signposting patient to relevant services, but do you carry a caseload or is more short term working?

thank you

OP posts:

Original poster

Teacake22 · 13/01/2023 10:53

Anyone?

thanks

OP posts:

Mangolist · 22/02/2023 21:51

Just seen this! I am!

Original poster

Teacake22 · 22/02/2023 22:10

Woohoo!! A response 😂 thank you!

I am currently looking into possible roles when I return to work. This is something I’ve seen and ideally at GP surgeries.

Can you tell me a bit about what you do day to day? Is it Surgery based or do you do home visits?

Many many thanks 😊

OP posts:

SpringofJoy · 22/02/2023 22:11

This sounds like such an interesting job. What can you prescribe @Mangolist?

thismeansnothing · 22/02/2023 22:19

Round where I am there's a bit of a split. Some are employed by the NHS and are based at a GP surgery. Some are employed by a well known charity and have sessions at GP surgeries.

You have a caseload of patients that you work with. Some might be literally one session and they are signed off. Some more long term. What they refer into or signpost to is wide and varied. Could be stop smoking, weight management, physical activity, mental health services, health walks, anything to help with housing issues, drugs and alcohol services, parenting help/support, befriending services even the local knit n natter

Original poster

Teacake22 · 23/02/2023 11:34

Thank you @thismeansnothing that is very helpful.

I will continue to look for local jobs near me. I wasn’t aware that charities advertise this role too. So will look into that option too.

Thanks again 😊

OP posts:

myrtleWilson · 23/02/2023 11:43

If you're able to say (roughly) where you are in the country people may be able to identify named charities for you to look at - for example I'm in the NE so could provide vcse organisations that may be hosting those roles.

Galadriel90 · 23/02/2023 11:54

I'd love to do this as a job. I used to work for a housing association and my role there had aspects of this. I'm interested to read the rest of the thread.

Original poster

Teacake22 · 23/02/2023 12:08

@myrtleWilson I’m in SE London. I’m sure there are plenty of Charity roles I just haven’t specifically looked at charities. Just focused on NHS.

But all suggestions are greatly received.

thanks 😊

OP posts:

Mangolist · 23/02/2023 12:12

So my role is covering two surgeries out of the six that our team have under our PCN banner. I will be seeing patients with so many different needs! One day it will be an elderly couple, both of whom have some kind of medical issue and may need help deciding on what sort of care to opt for - I'll signpost to relevant agencies (Social care, our own care co-ordinator..) the next it could be a younger person who needs help applying for social housing, benefits, or just needs to have some advice on groups or hobbies (not saying what hobbies, in case they are outing - MN joke..). Equally, I could call someone once as a GP has said they may need some extra help, and they will say they're ok at the moment but maybe call in a month. Lots of mental health issues, but we are careful to not get over involved in extreme mental health - referring onto those who have more knowledge.
Anything and everything that a GP cannot physically help with really.
We're a relatively new team so are trying to get more known by doing outreach events and being visible at local charities etc.

It is an absolutely amazing job for anyone who likes people, has a bit of knowledge and experience of local issues and organisations and I blooming love it!

Mangolist · 23/02/2023 12:14

Also, vitally important is that our team are super well looked after as well. We have monthly peer support meetings, wellness walks and everyone will help everyone when we have a hard case (I cry at least weekly!)

lechatnoir · 23/02/2023 12:26

I work with social prescribers and was interested in moving to this type of role but didn't pursue it as pay is pretty crap in my area. Most of the jobs I saw (or people I know who do it) came via charities but sometimes local councils otherwise NHS. Some required a L3 in Healthcare but many don't and there are general SP roles working with GPs & community healthcare providers and more specialist roles such as children's health, mental health or you can work within a hospital.

If money were no object I'd jump at the chance and it's definitely a growing industry but £24/25k is just not something I can afford to take.

Mangolist · 23/02/2023 12:29

I guess I'm lucky that I've 'done' charity management and other 'higher' roles. I'm at an age now where I just don't want that responsibility anymore.
I'm on NHS band 5 which is not huge, but works for me. I can see that it would be low for a lot of people though.

Original poster

Teacake22 · 25/02/2023 21:32

Thank you @Mangolist your reply has been very helpful. It’s give me more insight and you do sound like you enjoy the role. Thanks again. I shall continue to look around and see what’s available near to me.

OP posts:

CrackedActor · 28/06/2023 13:09

@Mangolist brilliant info. I saw you posted last year before you had an interview! Brill that you got the job. I'm working in a Management position in housing but travelling a v long way every day to work and I'm at a point now where I'm just spending too much time on the road, getting to work shattered etc... I've seen social prescribing jobs advertised near me today. I'm extremely tempted!

Tortiemiaw · 28/06/2023 15:46

Hi - name changed! I still love it, although it can be incredibly stressful. I'm so lucky that I have a fabulous team of sp, health co-ordinators and care co-ordinators to work with.

The flexibility is great too. Do it!!!

CrackedActor · 28/06/2023 19:19

@Tortiemiaw brilliant! I'm going for it!

Musicaltheatremum · 28/06/2023 19:24

We have just got a new "link worker"/ social prescriber but our last one was amazing. She helped people fill in forms for benefits and at the beginning of lock down did an amazing job getting parcels of food delivered to the vulnerable who couldn't access on line deliveries. She also had links to all the social activities in the area which helped a lot of people. Go for it!

Tortiemiaw · 28/06/2023 20:32

So good to hear that - from you both!! It's a fascinating and brilliant job I have to say.

Augend23 · 28/06/2023 22:33

When you social prescribe do you have a budget you can use for patients? How are the options you can give them determined?

It seems like a great idea but maybe one that funds or a lack of them could make or break? Or is it just that you suggest things they might not have thought of?

Tortiemiaw · 28/06/2023 22:48

Hmm. There is a budget which is the PCNs (personalised care team) to work out but most thing we do are already in place as it were; so recommending a single mum to try the local gingerbread or homestart for example; doing a social care referral for someone who needs care; filling in a PIP form (lots of those!) or just suggesting a local walk are all in a days work!! I haven't yet come across a serious budgetary barrier, although I'm sure I may at some point.

I have been asked if I can get funding to continue a gym membership, which has been purely rehabilitative and ends soon - but I'm pretty sure that will be impossible. It's a private gym that works in conjunction with the NHS but only for a period of time. That is a shame.

The other issue is waiting lists, of course. I can refer until the cows come home, but they will still have to wait

Flip