Community Link Workers
Lesley Preston and Eddie Anderson are our two Community Link Workers (formerly known as Social Prescribers) who deliver a community link service to patients registered within our practice.
This is a person centred approach offering social support to people whose health is affected by social and environmental issues which cannot be dealt with by only a medical response. It gives people the chance to talk about their own issues and get help to access any further local support that may be available and appropriate.
Support includes (but is not limited to):
- loneliness
- emotional wellbeing
- healthy lifestyle choices
- getting out and about
- long term health conditions
- struggling with financial issues
Some of the benefits include:
- improve your mental and physical health
- meet new people
- increase self-confidence and self esteem
- have a better quality of life
- get involved in your community
Patients can self-refer by contacting the practice and asking for an appointment with a Link Worker, or by contacting the Link Workers directly (find their contact details).
Read more about Community Link Workers on the Voluntary Action Angus website or download the Community Link Working Leaflet.
Local Third Sector Organisations
The community link work service includes raising awareness of local support, organisations and voluteering to staff and people registered at the practice, and to encourage working in partnership. Some examples of these organisations and partnerships are listed below.
- Angus Integrated Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service (AIDARS): Provides information and advice regarding drug and alcohol support, treatment and recovery opportunities that are available in Angus.
- ANGUSalive Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service: Based in libraries accross Angus. During library opening hours there's access to free information booklets. During weekdays one-to-one support is available by phone, email or arranged face-to-face appointment. Drop in support services as per timetable. Peer Support.
- Angus Carers: Do you care for someone? Angus Carers are here to support you in your caring role. If you are an unpaid carer for a friend or loved one in Angus they can offer information and advice, emotional support, practical help, social and peer support as well as signposting.
- Angus Citizens Advice Bureau: Provides free, confidential, independent and impartial advice and information across a wide range of topics to all residents of Angus.
- Angus Falls Service: If you have had a fall, history of falls, fear of falling, feel unsteady, poor balance, low bone density or family history of osteoporosis you can access this service by phone support, written information, home visit, level 1&2 assessment, a range of services/equipment to help with daily living, refer to appropriate services and access to Better Balance classes. Don't wait to have a fall to contact.
- Angus Independent Advocacy: Can support you to have your voice heard and enable you to access the right services in relation to many issues such as care, family life, housing or other situations where difficulties may arise.
- Angus Women's Aid: A confidential service, offering support to women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse.
- Children's Health Scotland: The only charity in Scotland dedicated to informing, promoting and campaigning on behalf of the needs of all sick children and young people within our healthcare system. They make sure children and young people get the treatment they need.
- Dundee & Angus ADHD Support: provides services to support and empower children, young people and parents/carers affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - giving information and advice about the condition, individual and confidential parent support, workshops for parents, monthly support group meetings and youth groups for children with ADHD.
- Hear Me - Counselling for Survivors of Sexual Abuse: Provides FREE and CONFIDENTIAL counselling either face to face or over the telephone for men, women and children (aged 8+) who have been sexually abused or sexually exploited. Pathways to the future is an integrative support service that is free and confidential for survivors of abuse in Angus (12 years +).
- Home Energy Scotland (HES): Expert advisors offer free, impartial advice on energy saving, keeping warm at home, renewable energy, greener travel, cutting water waste and more.
- Kirrie Connections: Kirrie Connections is a community hub that serves as the local base for Dementia Friendly Kirrie project. The meeting centre is a place for local people with dementia and their family carers to join in with social activities to help them adapt to living with dementia.
- Move More ANGUSalive: If you are living with or beyond cancer in Angus, Macmillan and ANGUSalive offer a free programme to help you get and stay active. The activities are suitable for everyone, regardless of where you are in your cancer journey.
- North East Sensory Service (NESS): Achieving independence for blind and deaf people. In Angus NESS provide rehabilitation services, equipment advice, groups and one to one volunteer support.
- Penumbra: Providing dedicated services for people experiencing mild to serious and enduring mental ill health. They support people on their journey to better mental health by working with each person to find their own way forward.
- Voluntary Action Angus (VAA): Supports the growth of volunteering, social enterprise and local third sector development and social prescribing.
