Social prescribing works really well as it can provide 'wrap around' support. Sometimes the things affecting our health and wellbeing the most need a different solution. For example, bereavement, isolation, loneliness, and struggling to make ends meet can really affect our health.

Doctors and social prescribing link workers (attached to your GP Surgery) work together to look at all of these issues and work with community groups and other services to make sure you get the help that you need.

How does Ashfield Voluntary Action (AVA) fit into this? AVA's role is to support community groups and services in Ashfield. If your doctor thinks that you need help or advice, or that you would benefit from social activities, they work with their social prescribing link worker to guide you to services. As many of these groups, activities and services are run as part of the voluntary sector, link workers get in touch with AVA to find out what services are out there.

AVA has put together a directory of services, activities, groups, and support so you can find out what's out there at the touch of a button. Please click HERE to go to our directory of services.

The diagram below shows how Ashfield Voluntary Action works to support and advance social prescribing throughout the district.