Bailiwick Social Prescribing is currently accepting referrals from all local GP’s or Allied Health Professionals who are experts at identifying needs. This may change as the scheme expands.
Bailiwick Social Prescribing is for adults over the age of 18 years who want to improve their health and wellbeing.
Bailiwick Social Prescribing is not suitable for persons:
- Known to be aggressive or violent
- Unable to engage or make decisions about next steps
- In need of a complex package of medical care (a referral can be made once medical needs are met)
Seeing a Link Worker is free and people can have up to six sessions, although more may be possible in agreement with the Link Worker. Our aim is to empower people to overcome barriers to improve their own health and wellbeing.
We try to meet you in a public space such as a café or outdoors, where we can have a walk and a chat. If you would prefer to have more privacy when we meet, or have accessibility needs, we can discuss this when we speak.
Now you have been referred, you will receive a letter advising you how long it may be before we are able to contact you. We also send you a leaflet with more information about the scheme and a consent form for you to read and sign before we meet. You will be contacted by one of our Link Workers who will arrange to meet with you.
- When you meet with your Link Worker, they will listen to you so they can understand your situation.
- They will then work with you to find out what support you may need.
- They will find that support or introduce you to new activities, opportunities and support you to overcome any barriers.
- They will offer helpful and practical advice all based on what you feel you need.
Victoria Hospital Incorporated is a charity set up to assist Bailiwick of Guernsey residents with unaffordable medically-related expenses including GP visits relating to Bailiwick Social Prescribing. For assistance call 01481 249942, apply online at www.vhi.org.gg or contact [email protected]
A BSP Link Worker can spend up to an hour with each person per session.
BSP Link Workers can socially prescribe people to our partner organisations and groups who have been quality assured by us. The current range of organisations can be seen on our website here.
BSP Link Workers listen to what matters to you, and work with you to find resources offering support as well as activities you would like to attend. It is entirely your choice to attend something that you think you would enjoy, and benefit from. BSP Link Workers cannot formally socially prescribe to activities and organisations we do not know enough about, but they can help you be aware of what is available in the community.
Go to ‘Why Do We Need Quality Assurance’ to find out more.
This is a natural feeling for many people. If appropriate, BSP Link Workers may accompany a person to an activity, group or to access statutory services and other agencies.
No, not unless you are told to by a medical professional. BSP Link Workers are not clinically trained. You should ask your GP about any medically-related issues including medication.
There are several important schemes and organisations (such as Citizens Advice) in the Bailiwick of which do ‘active signposting’, providing people with information through directories and local knowledge. Signposting works best for people who have the confidence and skills to know what help they need, seek out information and find their own way to community groups and support.
BSP Link Workers are trained to also support people who lack the confidence to seek out supporter participate in community groups on their own. The skilled personalised support of BSP Link Workers gives people time and confidence to work on underlying non-medical issues which can affect health and wellbeing.
BSP Link Workers complete professional Link Worker training with the Bromley By Bow Centre in East London, as well as in skills and knowledge in Motivational Interviewing.
They also undertake professional training across a broad range of areas including, but not limited to, children and adult safeguarding, data protection, domestic violence awareness, and mental health awareness.
BSP Link Workers engage in continual professional development and receive regular clinical supervision with a nominated GP, as well as professional pastoral support and coaching with Healthy Minds practitioners. All BSP Link Workers receive regular line management.
BSP Link Workers are required to meet an enhanced DBS check.
BSP audits quality assured organisations and groups biannually. Audits include:
- Public liability insurance
- Safeguarding for vulnerable adults (and children if applicable)
- Confidentiality and Data Protection
- Health and Safety Risk Assessment
- Equality and Diversity
- Recruitment of new members and training
- Governance arrangements
The BSP Lead also has regular dialogue with partner organisations to ensure close partnership working.
The BSP Link Worker scheme is audited annually.
BSP is part of the Health Improvement Commission for Guernsey and Alderney LBG. The BSP team are employed by the Commission.
The BSP scheme is mainly funded by a grant to the Health Improvement Commission from the States of Guernsey, it also raises funds from donations from participants in BSP community classes, and from the charitable and private sector. Previously, BSP was funded by The Guernsey Community Foundation from 2020 to 2023 and the Social Investment Fund during 2024. We are very grateful to all of our funders.