Jane Hartley, Health and Wellbeing Associate and previous CEO of VONNE was interviewed today (Monday 28 January) for BBC Radio Newcastle about social prescribing, in response to the news that 1000 specialist health workers are to be recruited, 50 of these posts in the North East.
In the interview with the BBC's Charlie Charlton Jane explained that social prescribing is when GP's and other health professionals refer patients to community services to improve health and wellbeing. Link workers then work with the individuals to ascertain 'what matters to them', not just 'what is the matter with them'.
Jane also emphasised the importance of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector within the field of social prescribing, stating that the sector needs adequate funding.
Listen again from the BBC website (item from 36:44).