Social Prescribing

Social Prescribing is an approach that connects people to activities, groups, and services in the community and can support people experiencing loneliness and isolation. 

Social prescribing services are provided by several different organisations in Worcestershire (which can be accessed through your GP practise), including: 

• Worcestershire Association of Carers take referrals for patients registered with a Redditch or Wythall GP Surgery
• Citizens Advice South Worcestershire take referrals for patients registered with GP surgeries in Malvern
• Onside Advocacy take referrals for patients registered with GP surgeries in Bromsgrove, Wychavon and Wyre Forest. Onside also accept self-referrals
• Worcester City Primary Care Network take referrals for patients registered with GP Practices in Worcester City. You can also self-refer by asking for a form at your practice reception.

If you would like to be referred to a Social Prescribing link worker, please contact your GP. 

Volunteering

Becoming a volunteer is an excellent way to get involved with your community. You can learn new skills, meet new people, and build your confidence.

Find out more about volunteering in Worcestershire or go to the We CAN Network or Volunteering Matters for more information.

Befriending

Some people may benefit from a more formal social arrangement such as befriending, where you are matched with a befriender who can either contact you via phone or in person. For more information on befriending please visit Befriending Networks. 

Other Group activities

• search the Community Services Directory for details and information about community groups local to you
• Worcestershire Health walks provide a great opportunity to socialise with others
• Men’s Sheds are local spaces for men to connect, make friends and enjoy activities. There are groups across Worcestershire. Please visit Men’s Sheds association to find out more

Other tips for connecting with others 

• talk to someone about your feelings of loneliness - Connecting with others, doing more of the things you enjoy and learning new skills are all helpful ways to deal with the negative emotions associated with loneliness. For more information, please visit Now We’re Talking for Healthy Minds
• catch up with old friends - Reach out to your friends by picking up the phone or contacting them through social media
• connect online - Technology is a great way to stay in touch with friends and family using social media i.e. Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp
• invest time in new connections - Joining groups based on your interests is one of the best ways of making new connections. Think about activities and hobbies you enjoy, or perhaps something new you would like to learn
• little things can make a difference - Having deep connections with close friends is important but brief exchanges with others e.g., saying hello to a neighbour, a shop keeper or someone at the bus stop can also have a positive impact on how you feel about yourself