From being unable to leave home to securing employment – how one service users life was awakened with the support of a social prescribing link worker. In her own words, we are proud to share the lived experience of “A” who was living through a difficult period of her life and needed support to help achieve her goals.
Support from a Social Prescriber
“A social prescriber appears to wear many faces; a support worker, a counsellor, an advisor and a friend. I have felt the benefits of Social Prescribing in many different ways. Simply put, without it I would be in much more dire situation.
Connecting with a Social Prescriber was the centre point in which all my concerns, fears and doubts were directed, and it was the pillar that held the weight of my recovery. It is safe to say that social prescribing has been a pivotal moment in my recovery.
Building a trusting relationship
The rapport and trust between myself and my social prescriber, meant that I was able to share past regrets, present fears, and future hopes. I could express my anxieties to a healthcare professional who listened, understood, and gave genuine feedback. People experiencing problematic mental health will likely appreciate the rarity of this.
Taking a holistic approach, I gained stability by connecting with services to help achieve my goals, for example employment and financial services, health and well-being, and education.
6 months on and the change is real
I received more help than I could have had hoped for. Within six months, I went from being unable to leave my home, to volunteering at the local food bank, being a regular at the gym, applying for part time employment and living in my own home. All goals I had previously been unable to achieve.
My experience of social prescribing has left me feel grateful and appreciative of the service and I would recommend to anyone experiencing low mental health.”
More information
Our Social Prescribing team can work with you to support your mental health, wellbeing and social welfare, connecting you to local activities and services.
Find out more about social prescribing and how they can help you.