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A new self-referral form has been launched to help Woking residents connect with local services and take greater control of their health and wellbeing through the council’s Social Prescribing service.
Social Prescribing aims to link residents, who have social, emotional or practical needs which cannot be addressed by a GP, to a wealth of different services within the borough.
Residents are eligible for one-to-one appointments with a wellbeing adviser who will help to identify and organise suitable assistance via a network of services and local community and voluntary organisations.
Anyone over 18 years old and registered to a GP in Woking Borough can self-refer for the service and seek support with:
- remaining independent at home
- opportunities for social interaction
- practical help, such as cooking, transport and shopping
- physical activity
- benefits and budgeting advice
- housing options advice and home adaptations
- mental or emotional support
- support around a disability.
A recent positive example of social prescribing was Mr P, who was referred due to being a carer for his wife who had reduced mobility and was at risk of falling.
Following a one-to-one consultation, the service directed Mr P to carer support services, helping him obtain a blue badge for parking, installing grab rails in his home via Woking’s Homelink service and connecting him with Citizen's Advice Woking for further support.
As a result of the service’s support, Mr P said his wife felt much more confident and safer in the home and that his wellbeing had improved as a result of both financial and carer support accessed through Social Prescribing.
Cllr Steve Greentree, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities, said: "Social prescribing can be a lifeline for those in our community facing crisis. It offers hope, support, and a path forward for some of our most vulnerable residents, particularly those experiencing loneliness, stress, housing difficulties or financial issues.
“The service empowers individuals to take greater control of their health and wellbeing by connecting them with non-clinical services that address their wider social and emotional needs.
“Woking is very fortunate to have a wealth of community-led support services within the borough. There is so much on your doorstep that could help you to improve your general wellbeing. If you think that the service could help you or someone you know, please make an appointment to talk to our friendly Wellbeing Advisor.”
Find out more or refer yourself for an appointment.
You can also speak to your GP about getting a referral.