Social Prescription/Referrals

Social Prescription/Referrals

Our Social Prescription programme provides personalised support to Islington Residents over 55 who may be feeling isolated, experiencing mild mental health issues or wish to improve their health and wellbeing. This project is continuing during the Covid-19 shutdown, with telephone calls, letters, and video calls where this is possible and wanted. A range of Claremont services, and services we can refer people on to, are still available, ranging from telephone befriending/chats to live, interactive classes.

What is Social Prescription?

Social Prescription is an evidence-based health programme. It is recommended by medical professionals; including GPs, nurses and other clinicians. Social Prescription is aimed at improving health and wellbeing through accessing activities in a social or community setting. It is particularly beneficial for people who are feeling isolated or lonely, who may be experiencing depression, anxiety or wish to improve their physical health.

Aims and Benefits

Through individual meetings with our Social Prescription Manager and a free 6-week programme, Social Prescription members at Claremont can access a wide range of activities in a community setting including physical exercise, participation in art or music groups and making meaningful connections. Our aim is to directly reach people and improve their mental and physical health through supporting people into non-clinical community activities.

On completion of the Social Prescription programme, members often continue to engage with the wider Claremont Programme of daytime activities.

Patient Journey

Step 1. Referral

Through GPs, health and social care services, voluntary sector organisations, link workers, housing associations or self-referrals.

Step 2. Initial Meeting

Claremont will contact the individual to arrange for an initial meeting where needs and interests are explored with the Social Prescription Manager. A Personalised programme of six free sessions are devised from the wide range of activities provided.

The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale questionnaire (WEMWBS) completed with the patient.  A 3-week review is scheduled.

Step 3. Three-week review

A meeting with the Social Prescription manager to see how things are going.

Step 4. Six-week review

A feedback session between individual and Social Prescription manager WEMWBS questionnaire completed again to assess the benefits of participation. Discussion around continued membership and/or signpost people to other services of benefit if relevant.  3-month review scheduled.

Step 5. Three-month review

Follow up meeting/review.

Who can benefit from the Social Prescription Program?

In order to be Socially Prescribed to Claremont, you must be over the age of 55 and live in the borough of Islington. We welcome referrals from GP’s, and other health and mental health care professionals, third sector organisations and self-referrals.

How much does it cost?

It is free to join, and Social Prescription members are allocated 6 free classes at Claremont. After that, members pay individually for the classes they attend. We are very grateful for the support of Islington Giving for this project.

How to refer?

Please download our Referral Form. Please fill this out and email to Rebecca, our Social Prescription Manager: rebecca@claremontpro.wpengine.com

Social Prescription Referral Form

Social Prescription Leaflet

If you would like more information, please contact Rebecca on 020 7689 8091