Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) is pleased to announce the publication of the latest evaluation of the Community Link Working service in Argyll and Bute.
Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) is pleased to announce the publication of the latest evaluation of the Community Link Working service in Argyll and Bute.
The review presents positive outcomes from the service for patients, GP practices, and our local communities. This service launched in December 2021 and is delivered in a close working partnership with our partner, We Are With You.
The HSCP recognises that social issues such as debt, relationships, employment, and loneliness can impact people's health and wellbeing. Community Link Workers are available in most areas to help individuals connect with support, services and resources within their community. This service can be accessed through self-referral and referrals from 12 GP practices across Argyll and Bute.
The evaluation indicates that there have been 975 referrals since the launch of the service. The most common referrals were related to mental health and well-being, feelings of loneliness and isolation, financial hardship and advice, and stress management. Community Link Workers have effectively connected individuals to support services, offered self-management education, and enhanced access to appropriate advice and services. Notably, 90% of clients have reported experiencing positive changes in their health and wellbeing.
General practitioners (GPs) with access to the service recognised that patients benefit greatly from the Link Workers' exceptional proficiency in their knowledge of local community and health and social care services, which is invaluable to individuals dealing with wide-ranging challenges.
The service has been developed in line with the modernisation and expansion of services delivered in GP practices, resulting in multidisciplinary teams. partners and other organisations working together to support people holistically and improve outcomes for patients. Work is currently underway to expand the service and look at how it can be delivered in more remote and rural areas, in collaboration with GP practices and those living in those communities.
Sam Campbell, Health Improvement Principal for Argyll and Bute HSCP said: “This service has made a fantastic contribution to improving people’s health and wellbeing in Argyll and Bute. The feedback from those receiving this service is heartwarming and powerful. We must continue to invest in this service for the benefit of our communities and explore how it can be expanded to our most remote and rural areas’.
Sovay Fitzpatrick, Head of Services for We Are With You said: "Everyday we help people to take steps to live happier and healthier lives. We have an incredible staff team; full of compassion, skill and local knowledge. We are grateful for the fantastic support from GP surgeries, community organisations and all the HSCP services in Argyll and Bute. Together we have made a great success of Community Link Working."
The service currently covers patients registered at the following practices:
• Campbeltown Medical Practice,
• Dr G Hall & Partners
• Church Street Surgery
• Cowal Medical Practice
• Islay Medical Services
• Lochgilphead Medical Centre
• The Bute Practice,
• Millig Practice,
• Dr B McLachlan & Partners
• Taynuilt Medical Practice
• Carradale Surgery
• Kintyre Medical Group
Patients can obtain more information about the Link Worker Service by contacting participating GP practices, emailing argyllbutelinks@wearewithyou.org.uk, or visiting the NHS Highland website.