As this is our first newsletter, let me start my introducing myself. I am Carol Stockman, lived and worked in the Cotswolds for 23 years (so still a newcomer!). I have worked for GRCC for almost 13 years and love my work. I also love reading, eating, ambling (as opposed to rambling I’m a bit of a slow walker) and photography with a proper camera (still working on the money shot!).

My workload is varied, assisting clients and families accessing information and support surrounding issues relating to - unemployment, mental health and the provision of mental health resources, care needs, changes in personal circumstance, care schemes, carer respite, financial benefits and much more. With some health coaching thrown in tore the new role

Covid-19 has impacted on many lives and families and since mid March our service paused face to face appointments and home visits but we didn’t stop working. We have continued to receive referrals and continue to support clients. We saw communities pull together and create Covid Mutual Aid groups supporting vulnerable residents and we ensured that we were engaged with them. We made and continue to make ‘welfare calls’ to clients to ensure they are safe and well. You can’t beat a natter on the phone!

And………of course we have been ‘Zooming’ and Training (although not for the postponed Olympics). We didn’t want to be left out, so like the rest of the nation we have been on Zoom. Not exactly partying, but whilst the majority of our clients new and old have preferred contact via the phone, text and email we have been updating our skill set. Having a little extra time has allowed us to receive training in Health Coaching, Psychological First Aid, Making Every Contact Count, Suicide Prevention Awareness. We have also increased our team meetings in order to share best practice and of course to share virtual coffee (and sometimes cake).

Until next time stay safe and well.

My name is Karen Price and although I am a relative newcomer to Social Prescribing, I have lived and worked in the Cotswolds for 35 years. I am a trained Primary School teacher who wanted a better work/life balance…here I am at The Community Wellbeing Service. A small but friendly team that share good practise, but more importantly over the past few months, good humour.

Covid-19 has changed the way that we work, taking us out of the GP surgeries and to our homes, communicating via phone, text, email, social media and Zoooom!  However, we have been busy during this time with many people needing our advice and support.

The role of the Social Prescriber is never dull and always a challenge. Our aim is to find out ‘what matters to you’ and how we can work simultaneously to help improve your health and wellbeing in a non-clinical way.  Feeling isolated or lonely is not about age, it is about circumstances. Whether you are 25 or 75, we would aim to actively signpost you to the right group or organisation to help improve your situation. Maybe you are worried about job prospects, money, education or housing. We aim to find the right person to offer the person-centred advice and support you need. If you just feel that life is on a bit of a decline at the moment, and you need to talk to the right person, we can put you in touch with them.

Stay Safe.

I am Sarah Harrison, one of the social prescriber’s in the South Cotswolds. I have been in the role for a year now and have learnt so much, from the groups and organisations that are running to supporting people on the telephone. I cover Tetbury, Lechlade, Fairford and parts of Cirencester which provides some lovely scenic routes.  

We have continued to work throughout Covid-19, one of our priorities was to continue to call clients and offer telephone support, whether that was a chance to talk through the latest Government guidance or helping to find a British made mask company. The variety of the job is what keeps it interesting! 

Whilst working with a client, we focus on we focus on working “with them” rather than “for them”. This means we initially listen to your concerns in a non-judgmental compassionate manner. We then help identify areas of support and work with the client to draw up an action plan on how to try and resolve this.  

Best wishes.