Read the case study at the bottom of this page, published by Youth Access, to better understand how our Social Prescribing Model works to support young people across multiple Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in Sheffield. At the time of writing, we are embedded in 6 PCNs:
- Peak Edge
- Porter Valley
- University of Sheffield
- SAPA5
- Network North
- Don Valley
We also worked in partnership with Foundry PCN in Summer 2024 to deliver our Social Prescribing Summer Programme. In addition to working in GP surgeries, our Social Prescribers are also working with multiple schools across the city, including:
- Meadowhead
- Chaucer
- High Storrs
- Silverdale
- Yewlands
- Ecclesfield
- Longley Park
- Stocksbridge
Acknowledging the valuable impact of our Social Prescribing work, our Board committed to funding the Central Social Prescribing role when its funding came to an end earlier this year. Referrals to this Link Worker have subsequently increased, highlighting how important it is to sustain this role. Ana’s story is one of many examples of the difference a Social Prescriber can make.
Young people supported by Sheffield Futures Social Prescribers don’t just get the support from their one link worker – they benefit from the entirety of the support offered by the charity, including employment support, access to counselling, and weekly Wellbeing Cafes. We work with each young person to identity what their priorities are and how we can best support them on their journey. This can vary from connecting a young person with a sports club or arts class, to building their confidence around using public transport, to identifying specialist support for a particular need.
The support doesn’t just stop once we’ve identified the next step – our Social Prescribers accompany the young person to that next point, making sure they’re comfortable and that the choice is the right one for them (and if it isn’t, we continue working together to identify what the alternative option can be).