Tell me a bit about your role?
Usually, I offer my support in a face to face way. Normally, I would see a patient in a clinic, at one of the GP Practices I work at, or I would get on the road and visit someone at their home. Social Prescribing is very person-centred and it is very important to spend the time to get to know someone and find out what is important to them. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I have not been able to see any of my patients and the way I am working has changed dramatically.
What is social prescribing?
Essentially, I think our primary role is to be the community connectors for Cornwall. We will spend time with you, explore what activities and/or local support could improve your health and wellbeing. Normally, this might mean being introduced to a community group, a new activity or local club, helping you to find legal advice, help around the house or helping you to find out what services and resources are available in your local area.
Every day is different - social prescribers could help you with a wide range of issues, including:
• social isolation
• bereavement support/advice
• accessing legal advice
• emotional wellbeing
• mental health support
• carer support
• respite services
• cancer care services
• long term health support
• poor health linked to housing
• accessing the workplace
• volunteering
• debt management
• healthy lifestyle
• weight management
• getting out and about
• joining groups: activity-based, arts-based, outdoor activities etc.
• digital access to services
How have things changed since Lockdown?
Since lockdown, our job has changed considerably but we are still able to offer support over the phone. Many of the charities and organisations that offer the support listed previously have had to adapt and change the way they work. I am now working from home and have been busy calling current patients and new patients, I have also been helping to make welfare calls to people who have been asked to shield or are socially isolated. My role is still aimed at improving wellbeing, but one of my main priorities now is to ensure that people are still able to get food, essentials and deliveries from supermarkets.
I have also signed people up for community outreach, such as meal deliveries, prescription drops or telephone support. People who are shielding are particularly vulnerable to isolation and feeling low - however, we are extremely lucky in Cornwall, as many community organisations and local groups have risen up and worked together to provide armies of volunteers to help people who need it.
It must have been difficult being at home - what are you doing in your free time?
My time spent at home has enabled me to catch up on DIY jobs I have put off for ages and I have really enjoyed getting out in the garden growing things. I have also been homeschooling my two
children, my son has even redesigned and decorated his bedroom, while my daughter got busy on her new sewing machine.
She has not only learned to sew, but made over 50 masks while fundraising for charity. She has raised nearly £400 in total for Age UK Cornwall and IOS. I am so proud of both my children and how they have coped with not seeing their friends or going to school. I do think one of the secrets to surviving lockdown has been making sure we all have projects to get stuck into. One thing I have learnt from Social Prescribing - it is well documented that giving people a task to take their mind off things can help, this is certainly the case for me. Whether it is colouring in or puzzles or something more ambitious, like building a garden shed or hand sewing a beautiful quilt - it all keeps the mind busy.
