The aim of the Social Prescribing service is to link people aged 16 and over to the activities and support offered by Reading’s voluntary and community groups, empowering people to improve their health and wellbeing.
NHS England explains why Social Prescribing is so valuable:
It’s estimated that one in five of the people who go to see their GP are troubled by things that can’t be cured by medical treatment. GPs tell us that they spend significant amounts of time dealing with the effects of poor housing, debt, stress and loneliness. Many people are overwhelmed and can’t reach out to make the connections that could make a difference to their situation. This is especially true for people who have long-term conditions, who need support with their mental health, who are lonely or isolated, or who have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing.
That’s where our Social Prescribing Link Workers come in, helping people to identify what matters to them, and how to connect with the community activities that might make a difference.
RVA’s Social Prescribing service
RVA’s Social Prescribing team works within Primary Care Networks (PCNs) across Reading, taking referrals from GPs and healthcare practitioners, as well as Reading Borough Council Adult Social Care, Royal Berkshire Hospital Occupational Therapists and Talking Therapies.
Get in touch
If you have received support from the Social Prescribing service in the past and would like us to get in touch again, please email social.prescribing@rva.org.uk.
If you are a professional looking to make a referral, we are continuing to take these at the normal address readingsocial.prescribing@nhs.
Further information
Read more about Social Prescribing on the NHS England website.
