Social Prescribing

Social Prescribing supports people to develop relationships and connect people to relevant activities for their health and wellbeing. Individuals or local agencies can refer people to the service to meet with a dedicated professional who will focus on what matters to the individual, taking a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.

Social prescribing works for a wide range of people, including people:

• with one or more long-term conditions
• who need support with their mental health and wellbeing
• who are lonely or isolated
• who have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing.

NHS Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire County Council have co-commissioned a service called the Community Wellbeing Service, which offers social prescribing. There are five providers covering the county:

• Forest of Dean, Newent and Staunton - Forest of Dean District Council
• Stroud and Berkley Vale - Independence Trust
• Tewkesbury and Cheltenham - Caring for Communities and People
• North and South Cotswolds - Gloucestershire Rural Community Council
• Gloucester City - Home Group

The Community Wellbeing Service (CWS) connects people to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support. The service also helps people to start new community groups, as well as supporting existing community groups to be accessible and sustainable. The Community Wellbeing Service has a strong and close working relationship across the voluntary and community sector in Gloucestershire, acting as a pathway to participation for residents to get involved in their community and develop meaningful social connections.