Nominator Sharon Hanooman, Senior Social Prescriber, London Borough of Waltham Forest says that the team started with the Primary Care Networks in the middle of the Covid-19 lockdown period on 1st April. This was an extremely challenging time where the team had to learn to adapt quickly by creating a virtual team space, working remotely whilst having their training and induction. They soon learnt to support each other, and they set up a WhatsApp group to keep in contact and to share and learn from each other. They contacted many vulnerable patients who were socially isolated and needed food parcels delivery, working closely with the Adult Social Care team and the local Mutual Aid groups. They offered telephone practical and emotional support when patients experienced loss, both bereavement and unemployment. They learnt quickly what support local agencies were offering in terms of financial advice services, welfare, benefits, debt, and income support.
