Is it an emergency?
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in Ipswich and East Suffolk News
Connect for Health, the social prescribing initiative in east Suffolk which is connecting people to support and services to help them if they’re struggling with non-medical issues affecting their wellbeing, is set to be extended for another 21 months.
This follows its big success in helping almost 5600 improve their lives, health and happiness since its launch in February 2019.
Connect for Health works with adults to learn new skills, improve their health and wellbeing, find employment and develop confidence to achieve their goals and transform their lives.
The extended project is set to be delivered by a partnership of local community and voluntary groups, including the Shaw Trust, Citizens Advice Ipswich and BSC Multicultural Services.
Dr Dean Dorsett, social prescribing lead for NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Your GP isn’t the only person who can help you feel better. Taking care of your health involves more than just medicine and Connect for Health can provide specialist support for non-medical issues that adversely affect people’s health.
“Our community connectors can spend time with people exploring what activities or what support could help improve their health and wellbeing. Anyone needing help can talk to them in confidence and they will able to give practical, helpful, non-judgemental advice on a whole host of issues.
“They will be able to help you meet new people and make new friends, access new opportunities, learn new skills and lead healthier and fitter lifestyles.”
BSC Multicultural Services will offer a bespoke Connect for Health service to people from BAME communities. They are a community led voluntary organisation that has working locally for nearly 25 years. They will be working proactively with GP surgeries, hospitals and pharmacies to provide a one-to-one holistic service to clients from diverse backgrounds.
Shayra Begum, manager of BSC Multicultural Services and the BAME Connect for Health service, said: “We are pleased to work with IESICS to deliver the Connect for Health service to people from BAME, providing culturally sensitive support on issues such as social isolation, anxiety, low moods, debt, financial issues, housing and welfare benefits issues and to make healthier lifestyle choices.”
Shaw Trust, which previously delivered the Connect for Health service in Woodbridge, has now extended their reach to the whole of east Suffolk.
Dominique Cordle, senior community connector for Shaw Trust said: “Social prescribing is about connecting people to sources of help and support within the community. Social prescribers can give people time and focus on what matters to the person, through personalised care and support planning. Within social prescribing, we recognise the wider determinants of health, and enable and equip people, to deal with these issues.
“Being a social prescriber is a very rewarding job. I am very passionate about supporting people to access the services that can benefit them, as well as working alongside the “what matters to me” approach. “
Sally Harrison, deputy manager of Citizens Advice Ipswich said: “Last year we supported 897 individuals and helped people to put £106,511 back in their pockets through income gain, grants and writing off debts.
“We aim to provide a holistic approach to supporting and advising someone with their overall health and wellbeing needs.
“We do this by having time to listen to the person and find out what is important to them and what they want to focus on. We place the person at the centre of all we do and help them to navigate around the various agencies and organisations that can provide support (including ourselves) to provide a joined-up approach the person’s wants and needs.
“So instead of all the different services and organisations working in silos, we work together and avoid duplication of work, missing vital support needed or just letting the person fall through the cracks and being forgotten about.”