Nominator Bushra Baig-Daykin, Commissioner, London Borough of Redbridge says that the Social Prescribing service in Redbridge (funded by the Council, CCG & DoH) was launched in October 2017. The main aims are to improve the health and wellbeing of local people over 18 years presenting with one of the following referral criteria: type-2 diabetes; low level mental health, social isolation and carers. The person is then offered support through a matched Health and Wellbeing Buddy. What is working well? § A compassionate team at Redbridge CVS. § Committed and effective leadership within the council, reacting flexibly to changes in health policy and other external factors, allowing the intervention to adapt and improve by continually addressing challenges as they arise. § Diversity of stakeholders invited to board meetings contribute to new initiatives and the continuing evolution of the social prescribing service. § A commitment to person-centred care reflected in the model of the intervention.
COVID response: the Social Prescribing service has been able to successfully adapt to the changing need of the pandemic and has worked closely with GPs, community groups and most importantly the people they work with to reassure them, and provide them with the necessary support and information they needed during this period. All services offered by social prescribing remained operational during COVID-19 with all staff working remotely.
Social Prescribing Service. • All referrals are contacted within 2/3 working days. • Clients were offered support through telephone and virtual means, such as Zoom, Teams and WhatsApp. • All GP contact and engagement were carried out via telephone • SP Project coordinators held information/ training sessions for social care and wellbeing staff in the council as well as attending GP clinical/staff meetings virtually. • Re-adapted the referral pathway and carrying out welfare calls to ensure most vulnerable were supported. • Set up a bespoke Carers Befriending Service in partnership with the local council during this period.
