Social Prescribing Link Work Surveys

The NHS England Social Prescribing team are seeking the views and experiences of SPLW’s (Social Prescribing Link Worker) in their role through a national survey. The survey aims to focus on areas such as employment, training & development, career and equipment. The survey will support the development of the workforce strategy and support offer for SPLWs and will remain open for responses until the 21st October 2022.

Furthermore, the Green Social Prescribing Programme have launched a small research project; Natural England have been commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to look at the potential to increase the provision of green social prescribing to improve people’s mental health. There are two surveys, consisting of tick box and short answer questions: one for SPLWs to complete and one for ‘green providers’ or other activity providers, where some or all of their activities are green or nature-based. The surveys should take about 10-15 minutes each to complete and will close on 10th October 2022.

  • Please click here to access the link to the SPLW survey
  • Please click here to access the link to the ‘green/activity provider’ survey

Supporting People during Winter Pressures through Social Prescribing

With the likelihood of significant winter pressure for both individuals and services, exacerbated by the combination of the cost of living crisis, Covid and usual winter pressures, the NHSE Social Prescribing Team has been asked to look at the role of social prescribing (link workers and activities) in the context of admission avoidance and supporting discharge. To support this, we would like to gather examples of practice already developed or developing in this area, and therefore we would be grateful if you could share examples of social prescribing schemes or areas involved in the following:

  • Supporting people to avoid admission to hospital
  • Supporting people on discharge from hospital
  • High intensity users/frequent attenders

For further information, please visit the Platform. As always, we are keen to collaborate and sense check with you to ensure that anything that may go into guidance is realistic and rooted in practice. Please send any case examples to england.socialprescribing@nhs.net at your earliest convenience.

Social Prescribing Webinars

1. The role of Personalised Care Roles in Supporting Winter Pressures

Wednesday 28 September 2022, 1pm – 2.30pm

This webinar will explore how SPLWs, HWBCs and CCs can work together and with the wider primary care team to support individuals with health or social challenges exacerbated by winter or the increased cost of living, as they are well placed to support people whose needs may increase during the winter months. This webinar will give also give colleagues a high level overview of national plans around winter pressures.

2. Developing your skills and knowledge to support people with cost-of-living pressures 

Wednesday 12 October 2022, 1pm – 2.30pm 

Jointly delivered with colleagues from NASP, this webinar will explore approaches SPLWs can take to support people and local communities to navigate the backdrop of soaring food, energy and fuel prices, by sharing a range of tools and resources. 

This webinar will discuss:

  • The resources and tools available to build knowledge around issues relating to money and financial issues 
  • Maximising help and support available 
  • Support for navigating conversations with people and communities 
  • Up-to-date guidance and advice