Celebrating Success: The Living Well Team Sweeps Social Prescribing Awards
At the Norfolk and Waveney Social Prescribing Conference, our dedicated Living Well Team secured not one, but two esteemed awards, solidifying their standing as trailblazers in the realm of social prescribing.
The Living Well Team won the following awards:
‘Social Prescribing Team of the Year’
“You pride yourselves on holistic approaches to care, which focus on outcomes and staff wellbeing. You face challenges head on, drive inclusivity, offering excellent patient centred care built on strong engagement and relationships with your communities and ICS partners. This award allows us to acknowledge your achievements, thank you.”
‘Social Prescribing Innovation of the Year’
“You truly demonstrate collaboration and partnership working which addresses the wider determinants of health to enable real change for our communities. This award allows us to acknowledge your achievements, thank you.”
Team Excellence
Social prescribing is a means of enabling GPs, nurses and other care professionals to refer people to a range of local, non-clinical services so that their needs can be addressed in a holistic way. The service not only helps to change lives for the better but reduces the need for individuals to access health services for non-clinical support in the first place.
The Living Well Team is formed of the PCN and VCSE providers - Equal Lives, Mancroft Advice Project (MAP), Shelter (Eastern Region), Age UK Norwich and led by Norfolk Citizens Advice.
A 2022 evaluation highlighted significant reductions in patient inquiries, with one GP noting a 50% decline after integrating Social Prescribing referrals. Significantly, their services predominantly cater to those experiencing pronounced deprivation; notably 55% of their clients come from the top 20% of deprivation indices in Norwich. This focus is critical to addressing inequality in the health outcomes that some Norwich citizens experience.
The Living Well Team’s achievements are a testament to their collaborative efforts and impactful initiatives. Their dedication to enhancing patient well-being through innovative social prescribing methods has not only garnered attention but has set a new standard for excellence in the field. Their accolade for innovation acknowledges their forward-thinking approaches, pushing the boundaries of what social prescribing can acheive. It underscores their commitment to finding creative solutions that address the diverse needs of the community they serve.
Their Impact in Norwich 2022/23
Helped 1,133 people
Brought a value of £1,334,130 to the people they helped.
Had a public value of £3,359,184 - this is £6.61 for every £1 spent.
Had a public value of improving clients’ wellbeing of £2,531,705.
Individual Excellence: Joel Watkins and Stacy Staines
Joel Watkins, a standout member of The Living Well Team, was named Social Prescriber of the Year. Joel’s exceptional dedication and passion for connecting individuals with the resources they need have not only improved lives but have now been recognized at the highest level. Adding to the celebration is Stacy Staines, another valuable member of our team, who earned a well-deserved spot as a finalist for the same honour.
‘Social Prescriber of the Year’ – Joel Watkins
“You demonstrate leadership by serving as a role-model and mentor to your peers. Showing initiative and promoting positive change in social prescribing delivery. You actively advocate for the care of patients and their families and contribute to improved patient outcomes through commitment to delivering high-quality care. This award allows us to acknowledge your achievements.”
