15.4.20 Support for social prescribers
News
When talking to patients who are on the shielded and vulnerable list who require support with daily tasks such as shopping and collecting prescriptions. We would encourage social prescribers to signpost patients to access support in the following order:
- If a patient has a friend or family member who could support them, they should ask those individuals in the first instance
- If the patient does not have access to a friend or family member, they should be encouraged to call their local authority volunteer helpline. This is because these are well established with strong local connections and approved guidance and processes in place.
Across the Hampshire and Isle of Wight footprint, four ‘Hubs’ are in place to coordinate local response efforts. These arrangements are for people who do not have existing support networks and who need support with access to essential food, household supplies and medication – or who are at risk of loneliness. The Hubs operate differently across HIOW as follows:
Hampshire
Residents should be signposted to the Hampshire Coronavirus Helpline – hantshelp4vulnerable – on 0333 370 4000. The helpline is open between 9am and 5pm seven days a week.
Depending on need, individuals may be contacted by Hampshire County Council’s specialist support team or directed to one of the 11 district-based Local Response Groups. These bring together Public and Voluntary Sector professionals with local volunteers to coordinate support at a neighbourhood level.
Southampton
Residents should be signposted to Southampton’s Covid-19 dedicated helpline on 023 8083 4800 – operational between 8.30 and 5pm Monday to Friday – or supported to complete this online form. In addition, Southampton Voluntary Services have compiled a database of Community Links for support during Covid-19.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth residents should be signposted to the City’s dedicated helpline on 023 9268 8004, operational between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Isle of Wight
Residents should be signposted to the Island’s dedicated helpline on 01983 823 600, operational between 9am and 5pm seven days a week.
- If the patient cannot receive support from their local authority volunteer helpline, then they should access the NHS volunteer hub through the details below this contact number: 0808 196 3382
If a GP surgery needs support from volunteers to help with the running of admin tasks or delivery they should contact:
- The NHS volunteers app GoodSam
