National Association of Link Workers’ Link Worker Day & Awards 2021
Across England, groups of GP practices working together as Primary Care Networks have been delivering Link Worker roles alongside their clinical teams. These Social Prescribers have been introduced and have quickly become an integral part of a GP Surgery team, supporting patients to receive the most appropriate care and support as and when they need it.
These roles are part of the additional roles and were outlined in the NHSE Long Term Plan, which sees the biggest investment in social prescribing by any national health system. Recognising community-based activities and support alongside medical treatment as a key part of personalised care for individuals.
Link Workers and Social Prescribers can give people time and focus on ‘what matters to me’ while taking a more holistic approach to people’s overall sense of health and wellbeing. A Link Worker can connect people to a wide variety of local community groups and statutory services which can support with non-medical needs and provide practical and emotional support.
The National Association of Link Workers presents the annual Link Worker Day (8th October 2021) as well as an annual awards event which is being held today, to recognise a Link Worker, Manager, Service and Community Group. This years’ awards will celebrate Social Prescribing Link Workers’ impact and recognise all those who have made outstanding contributions in tackling inequalities and encouraging a more integrated approach to care.
Here at Primary Care Cheshire, we are extremely proud that our Wellbeing Services Manager who oversees the Wellbeing Coordinators and Link Worker teams has been nominated and shortlisted as a finalist for the NALW’s Social Prescribing Manager of the year 2021.
