Our social prescribing lead, Clive Goldstraw co-ordinates help and support to our local population in the role of social prescriber. A Social Prescriber offers non clinical support to patients to empower them to take greater control over their health and wellbeing by setting goals, and addressing problems and issues that the individual brings to the conversation. This gives the individual the opportunity to talk about what really matters to them.

The Social Prescribers role is to empower the individual to access relevant resources or services within the community.

VAA Social Prescribers have support from VAA locality Workers and our online data system the Locality Locator. The Locality workers map local services and work in partnership with the Social Prescriber to develop productive relationships with the wider Third Sector and other supporting services.

Clive was involved in the co-ordination of volunteers who had signed up the VAA Humanitarian Assistance Angus Response Team (HAART). The volunteers were extremely active in our area, delivering shopping and prescriptions to those who were shielding. Their efforts cannot be overlooked, as this was a tremendous effort and provided help and support to those in need.

Here are some examples of what they can assist with:

• Social isolation and loneliness
• Emotional wellbeing
• Healthy lifestyle choices
• Getting out and about
• Life changing events such as birth, retirement and bereavement
• Long term health conditions
• Loss of confidence/purpose
• Poor health linked to housing or
• Struggling with financial issues accessing work, training or volunteering
• Accessing work, training or volunteering

Please get in touch with the practice admin team to book an appointment with Clive or Jackie.