VCFA Beacon social prescribing service helps patients access support and help in the local Voluntary Community and Faith Sector (VCSE) that can help them improve their health and wellbeing. It is independent and not part of the NHS, however we work in partnership with our local NHS especially the GP surgeries and Primary Care Networks. The term ‘social prescribing’ is used to describe a service which supports people to access a range of non-medical services and activities in their local area

Once we receive a referral they will be assigned to one of our Link Workers who will make an initial telephone call to discuss any support needs and interests. They will then work with them to develop a wellbeing plan based on what matters to the individual. As part of this plan, they will support them to identify community groups and activities which meet their interests and can support them to link with these groups.

We recognise attending a new activity can be daunting. We work flexibly and if needed can offer multiple appointments to support and explore any barriers to attendance, such as anxiety, and formulate a plan to reduce this.

Once they have engaged with an organisation we will review if this has been beneficial and consider if there is any further support we can offer.

In supporting individuals to access community groups we hope to:

We support people who are:

• Aged 18+
• Registered with a Bury GP
• Is a Bury Resident
• Willing to engage with the programme and be supported

This service is voluntary and if a patient is not ready to be supported we may not be able to accept the referral

• Access to over 500 VCSE groups on our database
• 100’s of Volunteering Opportunities
• 1000’s of community based activities e.g.
  • Social Clubs e.g. Lunch
  • Leisure activities – e.g. walking, gardening
  • Arts, culture and creative activities
  • Befriending and support groups.
  • Welfare benefits and financial support
  • Emotional wellbeing

Please note Beacon does not provide any direct services in house we signpost to support via the VCSE sector

• Clear navigation and simple access
• Wide range of support services in the VCSE.
• greater control of their own health
• Improve in mental health and wellbeing
• Involvement in the community
• Learn new skill or participate in a new activity
• Increase self- confidence and self esteem
• Better quality of life

Here examples of issues that we may be able to help with.

• Low Self-esteem/Confidence
• Physical Inactivity
• Social isolation and loneliness
• Mental Health & Wellbeing
• Life events e.g. bereavement,
• Long term health conditions
• Anxiety due to issues such as housing Finance, work or relationships

To refer please fill in our referral form and email this to beaconservice@buryvcfa.org.uk please also note GPs can refer via Vision.

Social prescribing during post COVID

We are offering services remotely, on line and by phone. For more information, please contact Bury VCFA Beacon Service by calling 0161 518 5550 or you can email us at beaconservice@buryvcfa.org.uk

The social prescribing team found that 80% of referrals found themselves visiting their GP and/or the Hospital less frequently after speaking to a social prescribing link worker.

90% of people that speaking to a link worker had a positive impact on their lives  and 80% of referrals now felt more optimistic about the future.

More volunteers engaged in Social Prescribing
More VCF groups involved in Social Prescribing
Funding secured to build capacity and/or sustainability

For more information, please contact the Beacon Service by calling 0161 518 5550 or you can email us at beaconservice@buryvcfa.org.uk