Sometimes people visit their GP practice with health issues which have non-medical causes like loneliness, anxiety, debt and unemployment. In these cases, a medical prescription is often not the best solution. There are now 90 social prescribers working in GP practices across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who can support patients in these situations to get the right help.
Social prescribers work with patients and their families to help them access a range of local services that provide practical or emotional support and guidance. These services include arts and crafts, writing, employment related skills like CV workshops, healthy eating groups, group learning, sports and physical activity as well as volunteering opportunities to name a few.
Amelia Jackson, a social prescriber at a GP practice in Hampshire said: “I have been working as a social prescriber for the last 18 months and I have seen first-hand the difference the role can have on individuals, their families and the wider community. It is a crucial role in supporting people to access help and services for issues that may require an alternative solution to medical treatment.
“Our GPs are working harder than ever before and are seeing more and more patients each month and my role is also reducing some of that pressure and demand on our doctors.
“I really enjoy being a social prescriber and I look forward to working closely with patients in the local community to improve their health and wellbeing.”
In March 2025, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight launched the ‘It Takes a Team’ public information campaign to highlight the different specialists working within GP practices.
The 12-month campaign will throw a spotlight on a different specialist role each month and will feature people working within those roles in our local practices. This month we are focussing on our social prescribers.
Dr Zaid Hirmiz, a local GP and deputy chief medical officer at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight said: “When patients come to see me with illnesses such as depression and loneliness, quite often, providing them with medication isn’t the right course of action. This is where our brilliant team of social prescribers come in as they have the knowledge of local services and groups that can help to provide a more long-term, sustainable solution to best help the patient.
“I am confident that this will contribute to enhance the health and wellbeing of our local residents for years to come.”
How does it work?
If you feel that you would benefit from seeing a social prescriber, please contact your GP. After your appointment with a social prescriber they will work with you to agree a plan to help you achieve your goals through exploring what is important in your life. They will then identify what local services could benefit you.
The team will be there for you while you are on this journey and follow up appointments will be available to ensure you are happy with the process to ensure that you are on the right track to reaching your goals.
Further information about the campaign and the specialist roles working in our local practices can be found here: It Takes A Team