Social Prescription
Mantell Gwynedd Community Link – Social Prescribing scheme
This post is part of a wider Social Prescription agenda. It supports the Health Board’s vision of improving the health and wellbeing of the population and the development of an integrated health service which provides excellent health care in partnership with other public agencies including the Third Sector. It also supports the Welsh Government’s direction set out in the Health and Wellbeing Act (Wales) 2014.
The main aim of the Community Link Officer role is to support individuals to identify what matters most to them and to improve their health and wellbeing by connecting them with community resources, groups, services and activities that meet their needs and interests. The scheme provides personalised support to help individuals build confidence, take positive steps towards their goals, and become more connected to their communities.
Referrals can be made by healthcare workers, partner organisations, family members, friends, or through self-referral where appropriate. The Community Link Officer will receive referrals electronically, via a phone call or e-mail.
When a referral is received:
- An initial conversation will be arranged to explore the individual's strengths, interests, circumstances and goals.
- Together, appropriate local services, groups, activities and opportunities will be identified to support the individual's wellbeing.
- Contact will then be made with the appropriate activity, organisations or resources.
- Where needed, practical support will be provided to help individuals access activities and services, such as accompanying them to an initial meeting, making introductions or supporting first contact with an organisation.
- Feedback and reviews will be conducted on a continuous basis to measure the effectiveness of the project.
Local activities offered include:
- Physical activity and healthy lifestyle programmes
- Mental health and emotional wellbeing support
- Community groups and social activities
- Employment and skills support
- Learning, training and volunteering opportunities
- Financial wellbeing, benefits and debt advice
- Housing-related support
- Support for carers and people living with long-term conditions
The scheme aims to:
- Empower individuals to make informed choices and take control of their wellbeing.
- Strengthen connections with local communities.
- Build confidence, resilience and independence.
- Reduce loneliness and social isolation.
- Improve physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
- Support people to achieve goals that are meaningful to them.
- Improve quality of life and overall wellbeing.
- Promote early intervention and prevention.
The project evaluation process will be carried out using the SROI (Social Return on Investment) model. This model emphasises demonstrating the true personal and social impact, as well as the project's impact on people's lives.
For further information:
Drop into our office: Mantell Gwynedd, 25 Bridge Street, Caernarfon Gwynedd, LL551AB
Telephone: 01286 672626
E-mail: linc@mantellgwynedd.com
