Through supportive relationships with local, voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations, community groups and statutory services, our team make timely, appropriate and supported referrals for individuals who need practical and emotional support – especially those with long term conditions, the lonely or isolated, and people who have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing.
Social Prescribing was introduced into the NHS in 2019 to support those with long-term health conditions to find extra support and guidance outside of NHS services. This is done by a Social Prescribing Link Worker (SPLW) who takes time to address mental and physical health concerns in a holistic way. In other words, focussing on the needs of the whole person, and what matters to them.
The overall aim of Social Prescribing, is to reduce pressure on medical staff across the NHS, improve people’s lives through better access to care and help reduce health inequalities.
Benefits of Social Prescribing
- Reducing health inequalities.
- Informing local people about the support they can access across their communities.
- Making informed referrals to health and social care agencies.
- Giving people the time to talk about their health concerns and feel heard.
- Reducing pressures across NHS services.
- Building better community resilience.
How it works
Two regular ways our team reach residents in person are through:
- Coffee Mornings — an informal, drop-in space to talk.
- Information and Talks — run in collaboration with the Haringey Advice Partnership.
To book an appointment, you can ask to be referred by your GP or any member of the surgery team. One of our Social Prescribers will contact you to book a 1-to-1 appointment. Support is provided over the phone, or in person at your surgery, whichever works better for you.
Your Social Prescriber will:
- Find out what you need
- Advise on the support available
- Signpost or refer you on for practical issues and emotional support
Find the team
Our team works across every Primary Care Network in Haringey, based at the surgeries below.
East Central PCN
The Staunton Group Practice The Old Surgery
N15 PCN
JS Medical Practice Havergal Surgery St Ann’s Road Surgery Grove Road Surgery
North Central PCN
Cheshire Road Surgery Arcadian Gardens Surgery Bounds Green Group Practice High Road Surgery Alexandra Road Surgery Stuart Crescent Health Centre
North East PCN
Castle View Surgery (Bruce Grove PHC) Morris House Group Practice Westbury Medical Centre Charlton House
Welbourne PCN
Tottenham Health Centre Dowsett Road Surgery Broadwater Farm Tottenham Hale Medical Practice Tynemouth Road Medical Practice Fernlea Surgery
South West PCN
Queenswood Medical Practice Christchurch Hall Surgery The 157 Medical Practice
Below is a video that includes Andrea Somasundram, Community Programme Manager at Public Voice, talking about Social Prescribing.
Haringey GPThe Social Prescribing role is an excellent asset to our surgery. I have often been presented with patients’ challenging social problems, such as how to apply for benefits, and finding social housing. I would not know how to advise these patients appropriately and I’ve been really grateful to have our SPLW as a colleague to whom I can direct them to. This not only helps me; by allowing more time to deal with medical problems, but it also helps the patients, as they can be put in contact with an expert in dealing these issues (who would be a lot more helpful than myself as a junior doctor). Moreover, the SPLW is an exceedingly kind and warm person, who genuinely cares and has time to listen. She is easy to contact and a fantastic colleague. Most importantly, she provides direction for patients who may struggle to navigate life’s difficulties. This is a massive gift to the community.