LOCKDOWN during the Covid-19 pandemic can be extremely difficult for some people who are experiencing loneliness, anxiety and other non-medical pressures.

A scheme to provide appropriate emotional and practical support to members of the community who are isolated or struggling is available in the Guildford and Waverley area – including Haslemere and the Surrey villages to the east of the town.

In the same way a patient with a prescription can get their medication from a pharmacist, social prescribing enables people to access the services that will help them for non-medical individual support.

Social prescribing is a way for local authorities, GPs, and Adult Social Care to refer people to a ‘social prescribing link worker’ who can give people time, helping them to focus on ‘what matters to me’ and taking a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.

Social prescribing works for a wide range of people, including those with one or more long-term conditions, who need support with their mental health, who are lonely or isolated, and who have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing.

Link workers provide practical help by linking people with local volunteer schemes or NHS responders.

Emotional support can also come from link workers themselves who make regular welfare calls to their ‘clients’.

Link workers can also link those in need to community-based emotional support, befriending services as well as signpost to mental health services.

Despite the current restrictions, social prescribing can still enable people to access regular activities like social groups and exercise classes – the only difference is that rather than face to face it will be carried out online via video conferencing apps.

Vicky Stobbart, managing director, Guildford and Waverley Integrated Care Partnership, said: “It is so encouraging to see the great work taking place in our community, particularly for those who are feeling lonely and anxious during these difficult times.

“Social prescribing can link people with many sources of support within the community. It provides a non-medical referral option that can operate alongside existing treatments to improve health and wellbeing.”

Referrals to the scheme can be made by a GP.