This webpage will close on 1st June 2023

The Southwark Social Prescribing Network (SSPN) is now facilitated by the Social Prescribing Oversight Group.

All enquiries to: partnership.southwark@selondonics.nhs.uk

SSPN members were consulted on the best option for the future running of the network, you can read the outcome of the consultation here:

Future of the SSPN Report

Southwark Social Prescribing Network

The Southwark Social Prescribing Network (SSPN) has been in its current formation since April 2021. The Social Prescribing Officer role at Community Southwark ended on 28th February 2023. This means that the SSPN will no longer be facilitated by Community Southwark.

History of the SSPN 

Early in 2020 two teams of Primary Care Network Social Prescribing Link Workers were established with NHS funding. By the end of 2021 there were 13 link workers in the North and nine in the South of the borough. The teams provide signposting, advice and non-clinical support to patients referred to them from GP practices, nurses, and community support hubs, to access appropriate community services and social support.  Self-referral had been suspended during the coronavirus pandemic due to a significant increase of referrals from statutory services for support with social issues, housing, benefits, low-level mental health, social isolation, healthy eating, and other lifestyle factors linked to health and wellbeing. The SSPN was restarted in April 2021.