A multi-partnership approach to support social housing tenants to access health and wellbeing services kickstarted this month.
The County Durham Social Prescribers Network, managed by Durham Community Action came together with over 30 local agencies, our housing and community team, and representatives from Believe, Home Group, Karbon, and Durham County Council at its quarterly meeting hosted at our offices, to develop a region-wide approach to support tenants via social prescribing.
Social prescribing connects people to non-medical support to address issues and unmet needs that can affect health and cannot be treated by doctors or medicine alone, like loneliness, isolation or stress due to problems with debt or housing.
Local agencies referrals are used to connect people to a social prescribing link worker, supporting them with a personalised care plan. This approach is successful for those with long-term conditions, low-level mental health issues, loneliness or isolation, and complex social needs.
Andy Coulthard, Community Regeneration Manager said; "This is an essential partnership as social prescriber’s can offer a lifeline to many of our tenants. Their ability to navigate, signpost people to the right health and wellbeing support service/s can help us to sustain tenancies whilst improving people’s quality of life".
Sue Garrett, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, Durham Community Action said; "Many Social Prescribing Link Workers who were able to attend the Housing event, felt they had made good connections with their local Housing Providers and look forward to working in partnership to support tenants and patients together in the future".
If you'd like to know more, visit NHS England » Social prescribing or contact us.
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