Social Prescribing Referral Form
Social Prescribing Referral Form
Bury VCFA Social Prescribing
Social Prescribing in Bury is Changing
Over the past four years, the Beacon Service has run a successful social prescribing service across Bury supporting around a thousand individuals each year to access a choice of non-medical services and activities in their local area. This success was made possible via funding and partnership working with the Primary Care Networks and GP surgeries in the borough.
During this time there have also been significant developments in the broader role of GP surgeries in providing personalised care to residents including the role of social prescribing. This has included in some areas, employing additional link workers within GP surgeries to meet demand. Following a review of the current offer, it has been agreed that Bury’s social prescribing offer should be harmonised under one umbrella led by the Bury GP Federation.
From the 31st of March 2024, the Beacon Service will be moving over to Bury GP Federation as part of a refreshed social prescribing service.
For existing clients, the change will be minimal as you will still be working with the same friendly team for as long as you need. Self-referrals and partner referrals will restart on the 1st of April 2024, and individuals are advised to visit www.burygpfederation.com for further information or email nwch.sp-pwpcn@nhs.net
Dave Mayren, PCN Development Manager from Bury GP Federation, says:
“Health and wellbeing is impacted by a range of factors and people sometimes need additional support than that traditionally provided via General Practice. Social Prescribing helps connect people with groups and services in their communities, supporting them with a range of aspects of their lives. We know that in Bury the benefits of social prescribing, realising improvements in the lives of residents and reductions in the pressures on Primary Care, are tangible. We look forward to welcoming the experienced staff from the Beacon Service to join our existing team, working together to develop our social prescribing offer to the residents of Bury.”
Dr Kiran Patel, Medical Director of Bury GP Federation, said:
“The benefit to patients, and indeed the wider team, in having the social prescribing service has proven invaluable. We are thrilled to bring our social prescribing team under one roof so we can be better placed to offer a truly person-centred approach to support the improvement of the health and wellbeing of our patients.”
For any further queries please contact nwch.sp-pwpcn@nhs.net
What is it?
The Bury VCFA Social Prescribing Beacon Service connects anyone registered with GP and aged over 18yrs to access a whole range of groups and organisations providing activities across the Bury area.
Our experienced Link Workers’ use their local knowledge to make connections to activities that match individuals and their needs and interests. Whether it is socialising, physical exercise or access to creative activities and hobbies, social prescribing is essential promoting better self-care and significantly increased health and wellbeing.
The term ‘social prescribing’ is used to describe a service which supports people to access a choice of non-medical services and activities in their local area. Although we give independent advice and support we are a funded part of Primary Care and work closely with GP surgeries and Primary Care Networks.
Since our inception in January 2020, the Bury VCFA Beacon Service have supported over 3000 clients to access support and activities in communities across Bury.
What we do
The Beacon Service helps improve an individual’s wellbeing by connecting them to support with around 1200 charitable groups of all sizes across Bury. Our comprehensive volunteering service also provides numerous opportunities to get involved in your community, make friends and learn new skills.
Our connections to activities include social events, mental health support and physical activities. Our aim is to address social, economic and environmental factors affecting people’s health, where medication alone is unlikely to provide a sustainable improvement.
We take a localised approach to cater for the needs of our clients, our Link Workers are based in the following areas: Bury East, Bury West, Bury North, Prestwich and Whitefield, to make connections to activities and groups in all areas of Bury.
What we do
The Beacon Service helps improve an individual’s wellbeing by connecting them to support with around 1200 charitable groups of all sizes across Bury. Our comprehensive volunteering service also provides numerous opportunities to get involved in your community, make friends and learn new skills.
Our connections to activities include social events, mental health support and physical activities. Our aim is to address social, economic and environmental factors affecting people’s health, where medication alone is unlikely to provide a sustainable improvement.
We take a localised approach to cater for the needs of our clients, our Link Workers are based in the following areas: Bury East, Bury West, Bury North, Prestwich and Whitefield, to make connections to activities and groups in all areas of Bury.
What does this Involve?
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.
Initial contact involves development of a wellbeing plan based on what matters to the individual, for example Link Workers will explore potential community groups and activities which meet their interests and provide a person centred approach to bring out the best of individuals interests and needs.
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:
Connect
Connect you with new friends so you feel less isolated.
Improve
Improve your mental wellbeing
Increase
Increase your physical activity
Control
Put you in control of your own health and wellbeing
Who We Support
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
Areas of Support
- 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
Who we can help/Reasons for Referrals
The Beacon service uses knowledge and connections to over 1200 voluntary and community groups and organisations to encourage better self-care and to develop the skills and knowledge to increase mental and physical wellbeing
Here are 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.
Our Service
We offer remote and face-to-face support to cater to individual needs and can meet with individuals in a range of venues across the borough.
The Beacon Service is uniquely positioned in Bury and has connections to over 500 voluntary groups across the borough. This means we can connect individuals to 1000’s of community-based activities focused on someone’s individual interests whether that’s:
-
- Volunteering
- Social Activities inc befriending support
- Leisure activities including physical activity, walking or gardening
- Creative and arts-based activities
- Emotional Wellbeing Support
- Welfare benefits and financial support
Ultimately providing a service as unique as the individuals that we are working with!
For more information, please get in touch with Bury VCFA Beacon Service by calling 0161 518 5550 or you can email us at beaconservice@buryvcfa.org.uk
Beacon Service Impact (January 2020 - March 2024)
Since our inception in January 2020, the Bury VCFA Beacon Service has supported over 3000 clients to access support and activities in communities across Bury.
Discover the amazing impact of social prescribing! 80% of clients referred to our program reported fewer trips to the doctor’s office or hospital after chatting with one of our dedicated link workers. A whopping 90% experienced a positive change in their lives, and 80% felt a newfound sense of hope for the future.
Loneliness, isolation, mental health struggles, and the drive for physical wellness are among the top reasons people seek our help. All the support we offer is tailor-made to fit each person’s unique needs.