Information, links and local resources for social care, financial help, housing and more...
Wandsworth Wellbeing Hub
Wandsworth find local organisations and services to support their health and wellbeing needs.
• Adult Care Information Service (ACIS)
• Family Information Service(FIS) • Wandsworth Self-Management Service (WSMS) - support service for people living with long-term health conditions
• Mental health support - Supporting all kinds of mental health conditions and situations locally • Courses, classes and groups for specific health conditions
including diabetes, heart disease, COPD and osteoporosis • Healthy lifestyle- Staying well in Wandsworth by managing weight, stopping smoking and keeping warm
• Care4me is a directory of useful community services managed by Lifetimes.
What is Social Prescribing? Social Prescribing supports you to take control of your own health, make positive lifestyles changes and decide what you would like to do to feel healthier. The service is here to listen to you and connect you with opportunities in the community that might help you to feel better. This could include supporting you with things like managing your stress, loneliness, finding social groups, learning new skills, physical activity or getting information on employment, benefits, housing and legal advice.
How it works:
After your GP or nurse has suggested the service, you will be invited to an appointment with a Link Worker who will:
- Explore what is important to you in your life and your current wellbeing - Identify the local activities or services that you can benefit from - Gain support and encouragement to start using services that can help you The appointment will be at your GP surgery and can last up to 45 minutes. At the end of the appointment, you and your Link Worker will discuss what support you might need in the future. We will keep in contact with you after the appointment in case you need further support.
A few things to know:
This service is for those aged 18 years and above, however we can still provide support to parents of children under 18 by referring to the appropriate organisation.
Follow up appointments are available to provide ongoing support.
We can offer additional support to access the service (e.g. translators) upon request.
We are not able to fill in benefits forms (e.g. Universal Credit, Employment Support Allowance, Personal Independence Payments etc.) but can signpost to places that can support you with this.
We are separate to Social Services and are not designed for crisis situations.
Help with Social Care
Adult Social Care teams can provide information, support and guidance to adults with care and support needs, and those who look after them. They provide:
- Help so you can continue to live independently - Advice about adaptations and equipment - Personal alarms and security - Support for different types of housing
Home adaptations are changes you can make to your home. These make it safer and easier to move around and do everyday tasks. If you, or someone you know, struggles with everyday tasks, there might be gadgets or equipment to help make life easier. This includes:
- Bathroom adaptations - Walking aids - Ramps and grab rails - Personal alarms and security aids
For more advice call Age UK Advice Line 0800 678 1602(Free to call 8am – 7pm 365 days a year)
For more information about local provision for social care contact your local council: Wandsworth Lambeth If you need more support the GP or Nurse can refer you to the Social Prescriber.
Bereavement Support
In the unfortunate event that a person has passed away, there are three things that must be done in the first few days:
- Get a Death Certificate from your GP or hospital doctor (this is necessary to register the death) - Register the death within 5 days. You will then receive the necessary documents for the funeral. - Make the necessary funeral arrangements.
Social Prescribing supports you to take control of your own health, make positive lifestyles changes and decide what you would like to do to feel healthier.
If you are still worried about your ability to work, speak to your doctor. We can support you with advice on workplace adaptations or refer to other services for help.
Foodbanks
Anyone can find themselves in the unexpected situation of struggling to feed their family because of illness, disability, family breakdown or the loss of a job.
Food banks can provide emergency food through a food voucher scheme. If you find your self struggling to provide basic food for your family, we can help by referring you to services that can make an assessment, provide food bank vouchers and also advise on your benefit rights.
If you need more support, the GP or Nurse can refer you to the social prescriber.
Vulnerable Children
A person is consider a child or young adult up to the age of 18yrs.
Guide to 'What is Child Abuse?' If you are concerned a child is or may be at risk of neglect or abuse you must report your concerns. If you feel there is a significant risk of harm call the police on 111 If you are concerned about immediate risk or criminal activity call 999 Get support for a vulnerable child or young person at Childlineor they can call 0800 1111 (free)
If you are worried about a child or young adult and are not sure what to do, get advice from the NSPCC.
Vulnerable Adults
If you are concerned about a vulnerable adult, someone who is at risk of neglect, harm or abuse from others, this should be reported to adult social services or the police.