More Help
For when you need a bit of help to get started, but are not sure who to speak to.
We all deserve to thrive rather than just survive. But sometimes it hard to know where to start. Having a conversation with someone you trust can really help. There are lots of professionals you can speak to start having conversations about your health and wellbeing.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists can give you advice on a range of conditions and suggest medicines that can help.
They may also be able to offer treatment and some prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP .
GP Surgeries
GP surgeries are usually the first contact if you have a health problem. They can treat many conditions and give health advice. They can also refer you to other NHS services.
Social Prescribing Service
Getting support from a Social Prescribing Link Worker can help you to work out ‘what matters to you’, and take control of your health and wellbeing.
Working alongside you, they can help to connect you with the services and support you need whether that be debt, housing or physical activity of other things that are impacting your health and wellbeing.
When you visit the GP, staff there may recommend working with the Social Prescribers and refer you into the service. But you can also refer yourself using this link Sunderland Social Prescribing Self Referral Form
Champions or Ambassadors in your community
There are a number of great ‘champion’ or ambassador programmes running across Sunderland ( such as Health Champions / Ageing well Ambassadors). The programmes provides a network of people, who are passionate about people’s health and wellbeing, across our communities and workplaces. They have information and knowledge to help support other people so if you know a Champion or Ambassador they could provide you with some information or help to signpost you to the right place.
Sunderland Social Prescribing Service
Social Prescribers are embedded within Primary Care Networks to empower people to take control of their health and wellbeing by giving time to focus on ‘what matters to me’ and building trusting relationships with people to create a shared personalised care and support plan, connecting them to local, diverse and culturally appropriate community groups, VCSE organisations and services.
https://www.sunderlandgpalliance.co.uk/our-services/social-prescribing/