Rotherham Social Prescribing Scheme

Lead service provider/commissioner

Name:

Voluntary Action Rotherham

Type of knowledge

Type of knowledge:

Project evaluation

Type of evaluation:

Outcome evaluation

Prevention service description

Participants are identified by GP surgeries using a risk stratification tool. Advisers discuss patients at risk of unplanned hospital admission within the integrated case management teams and patients identified as needing non-clinical means of support to improve their health and wellbeing are referred to the social prescribing scheme. Advisers then carry out a home visit to undertake a guided conversation to help patients identify what areas of their lives they would like to change/improve.

The services they connect people to are provided through contracts with a range of local voluntary and community sector organisations, including local branches of Age UK, Citizens Advice Bureau, Alzheimer’s Society and Sense. As well as the services listed above, people can be linked to dementia services; advice and information; advocacy; sensory services; therapeutic services and community hubs based on an asset based community development (ABCD) model. Where the main providers are not able to meet a particular need or goal, advisers may spot-purchase more appropriate solutions.

Intervention/service type:

Befriending, mentoring and peer support; Information and advice; Community services; Low-level support; Carers support; Social prescribing

Target client group(s):

Older people; Adults with long-term health conditions; Carers