Supporting link workers in primary care networks

In some areas social prescribing is already well established. In other areas, less so. Across England, each CCG area has been asked to create a shared local plan for social prescribing, to show how they will work with existing social prescribing schemes, local authorities, their emerging primary care networks, the voluntary and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, and people with lived experience.

These plans are already taking shape in many areas. To support the new PCN link workers we are creating a suite of resources and learning events.

• The Summary Guide, which gives a clear picture of what a good social prescribing scheme looks like. It also includes a Common Outcomes Framework to help measure the impact of social prescribing on people, the local system, and the voluntary and community sector.
• The Reference Guide for PCNs with information on setting up social prescribing services including support for recruitment, induction and supervision. It also outlines what quality assurance measures are necessary, and how information can be gathered to help develop a consistent evidence base for social prescribing.
• A welcome and induction pack for link workers in primary care networks.
• Welcome webinar in July 2019.
• Series of themed webinars starting in September 2019.
• Learning coordinators in each region to facilitate peer support and learning opportunities, who will take up their posts in September 2019.
• Accredited online training available from autumn 2019.

Supporting the development of social prescribing link workers in primary care networks: series of webinars

NHS England is continuing to support the development of social prescribing in primary care networks through a series of webinars aimed at social prescribing link workers and those working within primary care.  The webinars will focus on a range of topics, covering some of the key approaches to effective social prescribing.

Current webinar dates and themes are as follows, together with some suggested pre-reading material. Click on the links below to register your interest and get the sign in details.

To see slides and presentation used on previous webinars including focused sessions on working with pharmacy and using digital to develop services, please email england.socialprescribing@nhs.net for access to the social prescribing online community on the Future NHS platform.