National Link Worker Day 2024
23rd May 2024
We are delighted to be celebrating the impact Bailiwick Social Prescribing Link Workers are having on the community in the Bailiwick on National Link Worker Day,
To date, 800 people have been referred from Island Heath, Healthcare, Queens Road Medical Centre and Healthy Minds. Social Prescribing reduces the pressure on GP’s and other services, and we are proud to be part of the Primary Care support network for people struggling with their social wellbeing. Social Prescribing does not replace medical intervention but works well alongside it. One local GP says ““Medicine might have a role, but I will put arrows with all the factors including lifestyle, exercise diet, mindfulness, psychology, talking therapy, and BSP is now always one of those little arrows”
Bailiwick Social Prescribing link workers have the time to spend with people finding out what matters most to them and will formulate a plan with them to overcome any challenges. The Link Worker team of Alex, Candace, Jo and Trish will accompany people to activities to cross the threshold with them, often the hardest part. They will share information regarding groups and resources available in the community and link people to statutory services. Client feedback: “BSP has helped me a lot and bought fun back into my life. It has increased my self-confidence and stopped me from looking at my four walls every night. I am not feeling down anymore. I wish I’d done (activity) years ago, Bailiwick Social Prescribing game me the confidence to try.”
Bailiwick Social Prescribing has partnered with 84 other charities, small businesses and community groups. We work with our partners to help change the circumstances that make people unwell and empower people to manage existing health problems, to get back into employment, to access the right benefits, to access housing, education, food, community groups, green social prescribing (in the outdoors) and blue social Prescribing (on or around the water) All our partners are low cost or free and accessible. Our Partners say “People have made friends or formed connections with like-minded individuals, often going for a swim or coffee after class. This in turns helps those who may be feeling lonely or just so that they can meet people with similar interests. It is often difficult to form relationships and social circles as an adult” The community in Guernsey is amazing and has a huge amount to offer but many people do not know what is available, our Link Workers have this up-to-date knowledge.
We are proud to be part of the growing network of Social Prescribing Link Workers across the UK and thank our partners for their ongoing support.