Social Prescribing
Addressing needs in a holistic way. Connecting to community groups and agencies for practical and emotional support.
A carer (centre) with Wandle PCN’s Clinical Director, Dr Laura Quinton (left) and Social Prescriber, Lynne Capocciama (right).
Social Prescribing at Wandle PCN
The term social prescribing is used to describe a range of systems, processes and pathways which enable health and social care professionals to connect people with non-medical support, typically at a community or neighbourhood level.
Wandle PCN uses a universal model of social prescribing that has been embedded within primary care since 2019. Our Social Prescriber, Lynne, is funded by NHS England and takes referrals from the GP and other clinical members of the practice staff. She holds a ‘what matters to you’ conversation to understand the individual’s needs and preferences, before making an onward referral to relevant activities and services, typically provided by the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector. Lynne’s referral activities generally fall into four broad categories: creative activities linked to art, culture or heritage; physical activities; activities in nature; or information, advice and guidance in relation to financial issues. Practical examples of social prescribing referrals include helping someone who is isolated join an art class or a community gardening project; connecting someone with financial problems to a debt management service; supporting someone with dementia to join a specialist choir; or helping someone with high blood pressure to take up a community exercise class. In these final two examples a social prescribing referral is serving a dual purpose by addressing a social need through an activity that may also lead to secondary clinical benefits.
Alongside this model, Wandle PCN is collaborating with Surrey Physio to create a ‘Wellbeing Hub’, a space where individuals can access support and resources to address the wider determinants of health through social activities. The Wandle Wellbeing Hub was launched in June 2025 with a Carers Event at the Tara Theatre in Earlsfield, and now runs regular ‘Coffee and a Chat’ sessions at Brathway Hall in Southfields.
Wandle Wellbeing Hub
Wandle PCN has recently launched ‘Coffee and a Chat’, a new initiative designed to provide support, foster connections, and offer valuable advice to our patient communities. The bi-weekly sessions are hosted by Social Prescriber Lynne.
‘Coffee and a Chat’ offers a welcoming environment where attendees can find support, meet new people, and engage in various activities. There will also be opportunities to receive advice from visiting organisations such as Citizens Advice, Wandsworth Carers Centre, DWP Benefits, and Age UK, among others. Participants are encouraged to try new things, including creative, physical, and nature-based activities.
News
Wandle PCN Carers Event, 11.06.25 at the Tara Theatre
Aware of the importance of the annual Carers Week campaign that raises awareness of caring, highlights the challenges unpaid carers face and recognises the contribution they make to families and communities, this year Wandle PCN hosted a Carers Event at the Tara Theatre in Earlsfield. Running from 10.30am – 3.30pm on 11th June, it was an opportunity for registered carers – and those who didn’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities – to ‘drop in’ and access support from multiple VCSE organisations.
Informative and helpful
Very happy with the help
Questions answered