One of our patients faced severe anxiety due to workplace stress and bullying. With the support of our Mental Health Practitioner, she focused on rebuilding her confidence and transforming negative thought patterns. Today, she has successfully launched her own private business and is happily enjoying family life once again.
When our patient first connected with her Link Worker, she was unable to leave her home. Now, she proudly holds her first-ever job!
One of our clients, after engaging with our mental health team, has taken a remarkable step forward by volunteering in his community. He regularly meets with groups, fostering mutual support and discovering new strategies to manage anxiety and stress. His journey is a testament to the power of community and the positive impact of mental health care.
With the dedicated support of our mental health practitioner, one gentleman successfully overcame severe OCD and social isolation. Today, he has returned to work and is actively contributing to his local community.
Thanks to the efforts of our social prescribers, a gentleman was able to reconnect with his old army friends, rekindling valuable relationships and strengthening his support network.
Our Social Prescriber, Andy Garner, was highlighted during Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board's Social Prescribing Day article.
This article celebrates Social Prescribing Day by highlighting the impactful work of Andy Garner, a Senior Link Worker. It details Andy's unique journey from being an Army musician and Police Officer to becoming a social prescriber and emphasises his compassionate approach to helping individuals improve their well-being through non-medical support and includes touching stories of how Andy's efforts have profoundly affected the lives of his clients.
The Proactive Care and Community Support Initiative is a collaborative effort between Apex PCN clinicians, Social Prescribers from Voluntary Centre Services, the Neighbourhood Health Team, and patients. This approach demonstrates how proactive, personalised care can reduce healthcare strain while improving patients’ well-being.
Key Goals
Holistic Health Education The initiative promotes healthier ageing by engaging patients in holistic health approaches to manage their conditions. Personalised conversations—such as the "What Matters To You" campaign—encourage patients to take an active role in their care.
Connecting with Community Resources Following NHSE’s Neighbourhood Health Guidelines (2025/26), the initiative prioritises community-based care with three main shifts:
- From hospital to community – Strengthening local health resources and promoting independence.
- From treatment to prevention – Enhancing health literacy and encouraging early intervention.
- From analogue to digital – Leveraging technology to improve healthcare efficiency.
Social prescribers and neighbourhood team play a crucial role in linking patients to support groups, fitness programs, social activities, and organisations like Age UK, Carers First, and Lincs Sensory Service. Additionally, home safety is improved through bathing equipment and accessibility tools.
Patient Engagement and Holistic Approaches Neighbourhood team and social prescribers provide personalised support, connecting individuals to community groups and well-being services that offer emotional and practical assistance. By empowering patients, the initiative enhances self-management and fosters community-driven health solutions.
Outcomes
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Reduction in Appointments, Improved Well-being: The project led to a 50% reduction in medical appointments, saving a total of 546 appointments across four practices. It advocates addressing root causes of health concerns rather than relying solely on medical intervention.
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Improved Patient Engagement: Patients have shown greater confidence in managing their health and actively engaging with social prescribing services.
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Strengthened Community Links: By deepening partnerships with voluntary services, the initiative provides comprehensive support for those with complex health needs.
Apex PCN continues to expand holistic health efforts, promoting preventative care and community-based solutions to enhance patient well-being.
Social Prescribing Project to Support Patients Identified with Mild Memory Impairment Memory loss can be quite worrying and have a profound effect not only on our personal lives but also, on our family and friends. There are significant implications, both socially and economically, which can impact on our personal commitments and, our mental health and wellbeing; all of which may further impact on NHS services. By encouraging patients with mild memory impairment to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing through key activities, studies have indicated improved health and social outcomes and the need for less medical interventions/appointments. Early identification and diagnosis are fundamental to the management of memory impairment, and it is anticipated, through aligning GP services with Social Prescribing, ‘patients’ can be referred for active support that meets the needs of an individual. The APEX Primary Care Network, which is made up of Woodlands Medical Practice, Richmond Medical Centre, Boultham Park Medical Practice and Birchwood Medical Practice, have actively been looking at ways to help slow down memory impairment and a non-clinical pilot project was initiated at Boultham Park Medical Practice.
Aim
- To identify patients with mild memory impairment in the preliminary stages.
- To provide tailored activities and support, to try and help slow down the progression of memory loss.
- To improve health and social outcomes for the individuals, their families, and friends.
The pilot project is being supported and managed by the Social Prescribing Team Social Prescribing | LCVP
Pilot Project
How is the referral pathway being managed?
- The PCN have agreed an approach and model of assessment for diagnosis and treatment using the resources of the Social Prescribing Team.
- The pilot project will be set up to monitor the stages of a patient’s memory impairment and the impact that activities may have in helping to slow down the progression of memory loss.
- Patients with early memory impairment will be identified through GP screening programmes / tools and clinically triaged for suitability.
- An invite to participate in the pilot project is sent out, along with a request for consent for referral to the Social Prescribing team.
How are you identifying opportunities / activities locally to support individuals?
- This is achieved through a ‘what matters to me’ conversation with the Social Prescribing link worker. Clients highlight any issues and have different priorities.
- The meeting with the link worker can be face to face or over the phone, depending on an individual’s personal preference.
- Social Prescribing are following NHS guidelines around Mild Cognitive Impairment.
What activities are being offered?
Social Prescribing have several different activities in which they can signpost and refer. Some of these include:
- Arts, Music, and Creative activities
- Befriending
- Domestic/Lifestyle Support
- Good Neighbour Schemes
- Health conditions, physical disabilities, and sensory impairment
- Lifestyle and Behaviour Change
- Mental Health
- Peer Support
- Physical Activity
- Social, Recreational and friendship group
- Volunteer Centre
Does each patient have a personal plan?
- Yes, each person will be given a set of goals that they wish to achieve with an agreed Action Plan.
- Each person referred, who then engages with the project is reviewed every 6 weeks to ensure goals are being met.
How are social prescribing measuring the outcomes? i.e. evaluation feedback?
Social Prescribing record the following outcomes with patients and gather feedback through case studies. These outcomes are used county wide and have been agreed with the Lincolnshire NHS Integrated Care Board, who commission the Social Prescribing service.
- I have started volunteering
- My physical Health has improved
- I feel more in control
- I feel more involved in my community
- I have found work
- I have accessed a new service or group
- My mental health has improved
- I need to see my GP / medical services less often
- Have family and friends noticed any changes in your wellbeing
- Other
Apex PCN has consistently demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity and compassion, fostering a supportive and respectful environment for all staff members. This dedication is evident in their celebration of diverse traditions and their proactive support during challenging times.
Apex PCN recognises the importance of celebrating the rich cultural tapestry within its workforce. For instance, during Ramadan, the organisation ensures that Muslim staff members feel supported and respected. Similarly, St Patrick's Day is celebrated with enthusiasm, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the organisation. These celebrations not only honour the cultural backgrounds of the staff but also promote a sense of belonging and unity.
In times of civil unrest, Apex PCN has shown exceptional compassion and support for its staff. Recognising the potential stress and anxiety such situations can cause, the organisation has implemented several measures to ensure the well-being of its employees. This includes providing access to mental health resources, offering counselling services, and creating a safe space for staff to express their concerns and feelings. Moreover, Apex PCN has established a peer support network to help staff navigate these challenging times. This network provides a platform for employees to share their experiences and offer mutual support, reinforcing the organisation's commitment to a compassionate and inclusive workplace.
Apex PCN's efforts to celebrate diverse traditions highlight its dedication to creating an inclusive and compassionate environment. By valuing and respecting the diverse backgrounds of its staff, Apex PCN not only enhances employee well-being but also strengthens the overall sense of community within the organisation.
The APEX Frailty Team introduced a Geriatric Simulation Empathy Suit to enrich falls and dementia training across care homes. Designed to simulate the physical effects of ageing and frailty, the suit helps carers develop deeper empathy and awareness by experiencing first-hand the challenges older adults face. It replicates restricted joint movement, muscle weakness, visual impairments (such as glaucoma), and hearing conditions (such as tinnitus).
The suit was first trialled at Hartsholme House Care Home in Lincoln, where it received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Care staff engaged fully with the trial, gaining valuable insights into the sensory and physical limitations experienced by older adults. This immersive experience deepened their understanding of key care challenges, including nutrition, hydration, and the influence of the care environment—ultimately supporting more compassionate and informed care practices.
Following the success of the initial launch, the empathy suit was rolled out to additional care homes and GP Practices within the APEX Primary Care Network. These demonstrations focused on critical areas such as falls prevention, dementia care, mobility, and overall wellbeing, further reinforcing the suit’s role in transforming care delivery and promoting empathy-led caregiving.