Wider Health
Introduction to Wider Health
Who is this for?
This is for anyone who wants to…
- Make a healthy lifestyle change.
- Tackle a problem like finding work or managing debts.
- Feel less isolated and alone.
- Manage a long term physical or mental health condition.
How can it help?
This website will help you to find the right support in your local area, quickly and easily.
Problem page
If you want support for a specific problem you will find local organisations who can help directly with this.
Link workers
If you want the time and space to talk to someone who is trained to help with complex and multiple issues, provide emotional, social or practical support then you can find a link worker in your local area.
Who are link workers?
NHS Social Prescribing – Link Workers
Link workers are a part of our NHS, trained to work one-to-one with people. They can help with a variety of non-medical problems. It’s a local and completely free service. They are a trustworthy & friendly source of help for anyone who may need emotional, social or practical support.
They will…
- Give you the time to explore what’s important to you.
- Support you to successfully deal with challenges you may be facing.
- Connect you to your local community and services.
Find your link worker
Link worker stories
Mark, 36, was concerned about money. Mark had started gambling more and more over recent months which led him to accumulate debts. He felt very worried about this and he was at risk of losing his home. Mark opened up to his GP about his financial worries who referred him to a link worker. The link worker listened to his concerns and reassured him that this was solvable. Together they discussed the steps needed to get him back on track, including a clear budgeting plan and a full benefits check. He was then supported to seek professional help to tackle his gambling problem, and soon afterwards he started having regular one to one treatment. Several months later, he now feels like he is back in control of his finances and he is planning for the future.
Julianne, 48, had been struggling to manage her weight. Julianne was put in touch with a link worker who offered to meet with her at her home where they could discuss her main concerns. During their conversation, it became clear that she had low confidence which was negatively impacting her social life. They identified that her eating was partly a result of her low mood. They discussed what Julianne wanted to do to improve her mood. They explored the kinds of activities she used to enjoy, one of which was dancing. Her link worker found a friendly dance fitness group only 10 minutes from her home. The link worker accompanied Julianne to the first session for moral support. 3 months later and she is now a regular member in the class. She will go for a coffee afterwards with a couple of ladies she met in the group. Her confidence is growing while she feels healthier and more energised.