Community Link Worker project
Our one-to-one support is confidential, regular and in a way which works best for you
Through social prescribing, we’re focusing to improve health outcomes for people experiencing stressors in their lives due to social problems, which could lead to poor mental health.
The Community Link Worker project collaborates with 29 selected GP surgeries across the Highlands – from Caithness to Lochaber and over to Nairn. Referrals are received from the GP to our Community Link Workers when there might be a concern caused by social factors, rather than a medical problem.
We’re entirely person-centred in our approach. Community Link Workers want to get to know you: we will get to know your interests, your likes and dislikes and build a relationship, social prescribing you to the service we think will best suit your needs. Our aim is to help people overcome barriers and we shape our support around you.
Once the referral has been made, our Community Link Workers will discuss your needs and work closely with you. You will be offered up to eight sessions with a member of our team, who will come up with a plan of action to help you feel a sense of achievement and make them feel more confidence to reach goals.
We discuss progress after each meeting. Final sessions with people accessing the service focus on the review of goals, outcomes and priorities. We can social prescribe to relevant services, such as walking groups and exercise classes or skills development.
We work with people who face multiple and complex challenges: mental health, social isolation, loneliness, poor housing conditions, unhealthy relationships, poor physical health, language barriers, discrimination, and more.
“I feel really encouraged and positive about steering my family in a better direction for the first time in a very long time! You really made me feel listened to and understood, and I don’t remember the last time I felt that. I went home buzzing with enthusiasm and good energy!”
Steve
contact
Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our own Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.
Contac 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.
Contact our Community Link Worker team to learn more about our Highland service.
