WITH the pandemic having a massive impact on mental health and well-being, there is one team in Northwich helping to make a positive difference.

The social prescribers team sits within for the Northwich Primary Care Network who work across seven GPs surgeries and helps dozens of vulnerable people find ways out of isolation.

Donna Webber, who is one of the three-person strong team, explains what they do and how they help people with non-medicine solutions to a variety of health issues.

"Social prescribing is a free, confidential service available from your GP surgery," Donna said.

"As a team of three, we give people the time to share what matters to them and provide support in helping them identify and acheive their goals.

"We do this by linking people to other organisations, community groups and local activities in the area."

The team receive referrals from GPs and then arrange consultations with patients in which they spend time listening to what they need help with.

The team regularly refer to five ways to well-being, which are:

Taking notice, connecting with others, keep learning, give and being active.

"We might have people who are struggling with housing or their finances or that they care for somebody," Donna added.

"Not everything to do with health and well-being can be remedied by a GP with medicine.

"Our whole purpose is to basically empower people to improve their health.

"There is no set number of consulations a person can have.

"We really give people the time they need to tell their story and focus on what matters to them.

"After that, we link them to organisations or services.

"Quite often people just don't know where to access the help and support they need."

The help provided is unique, personalised and tailored to each and every individual, which means they get the outcome they really need.

Donna added: "We call it patient-centred.

"As long as there is a social or practical need.

"We don't support mental health on its own, but we do know that practical and social issues, such as isolation, which is a big one, has a massive impact on your mental health.

"So if we tackle the root cause and help link people with organisations or services, that will have a positive impact."

You can arrange an appointment with the social prescribing team by contacting your GP.