Employed by our PCN Well up North, Link workers are attached to specific Practices to help patients, their families and carers maintain strong connections with community and voluntary sectors. The core principles of the Link Working service currently include:
- ensuring all Practices are dementia-friendly assisting patients and family members through every stage of Dementia. From initial concerns to post-diagnosis and adapting to life with the condition, they provide support and referrals to groups and organisations that can help
- to ensure all carers have opportunities for annual reviews and are informed about available support
- to ensure all Practices are registered as veteran-friendly
Link workers also help people with complex social needs.
Generally, patients speak with a link worker several times. The link worker will connect them with activities, groups, and services in their community. This is for practical and emotional support to help them get back on their feet.
Who is a carer: anyone, including children and adults who look after a family member, a partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support. The care they give is unpaid.
Patients can refer themselves to our Social Prescribing Link Workers by contacting the Practice.
The latest Social Prescribing newsletters are available in our news section