BSP is a new scheme in Guernsey, at first you can be referred to Bailiwick Social Prescribing by an IslandHealth, Healthcare Group or Queens Road GP surgery and other practice staff who are experts at identifying need.
As the scheme expands people, can be referred by other health professionals, organisations and agencies, family, friends, or themselves.
BSP is for adults over the age of 18 years.
BSP 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)
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]
Seeing a BSP Link Worker is free and people can have up to six sessions, although more may be possible in agreement with the BSP Link Worker. The aim of BSP is to empower people to overcome barriers to improve their own health and wellbeing. The number of sessions is normally agreed at the outset.
A BSP Link Worker can spend up to an hour with each person per session.
BSP Link Workers can meet with a person in a range of agreed settings within the community, at home or at an IslandHealth, Healthcare Group, or Queens Road GP surgery, depending on what the person would like to do.
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 funded by Guernsey Community Foundation until the end of 2022.