A chat and a cuppa offer prescription for modern treatment
Medication is usually the go-to option for doctors when someone is experiencing mental health problems. But that’s all changing thanks to new “social prescribers” in one area of Wales.
ANEW kind of prescription is available at one group of GP practices in Swansea – and it could involve a nice cup of tea and a chat.
The Cwmtawe Cluster of GP surgeries is one of the first in Wales to have a social prescribing worker who can “prescribe” for patients who need social help rather than medical treatment.
A fifth of people who go to see their doctor have social problems, which can result in anxiety, low mood, grief, loneliness or financial worries.
Now, instead of reaching for the prescription pad, GPs can send those patients to see Cindy Hayward.
Cindy has only been in the role since October but has already helped a wide range of people.
“I find out what’s going on in the community and try to match people up with what’s available,” she said. “It’s amazing what’s out there.”
There are around 1,000 third sector organisations in Swansea with an interest in health and well-being, and with her background in community development work, Cindy is able to link patients up with the right service for them.
It could be anything from Cruse, the bereavement charity counselling service, to Citizens’ Advice.
Cindy is also setting up group activities like art, gardening, yoga and walking – all things that are beneficial to her clients’ well-being.
Ideas bubble up from the ground as well, as people she’s helped want to give something back.
She said: “I’m pleased to say there has been a huge wave of support from the local community around this new service.” One example of that is a new Conversation Club that Cindy has set up with the help of café owner Helen Bialyj.
A former audiologist, Helen opened Bronwen’s House in Clydach when she left the NHS.
“When I retired I opened my own café but I soon noticed how many people came in on their own and how many people seemed to be lonely,” she said.
The idea of the Conversation Club – where people can get together for a chat once a month – was born, and is now running on the first Wednesday of every month from 1.30pm to 3pm.
It’s been a great mood-lifter for former engine driver Sid Jenkins, 83, from Clydach, whose wife Barbara passed away recently.
He said: “I do get lonely now so it’s lovely to be able to come out and have a chat. I’ve spoken to Cindy a couple of times a week on the phone as well.”
Thirty-five-year old Andrea also appreciates the help she has had from Cindy since her father died late last year.
She said: “I didn’t take it very well. He was my best friend and I saw him every day.
“I rang the doctor for help and they offered me tablets, but that would be a last resort for me.
“The doctor mentioned Cindy so I went to see her and I’ve been seeing her ever since.
“She has helped me in so many ways. She has helped me cope through listening to me and having time for me.
“She knows what help is out there and she put me in touch with various groups and organisations, too.” The work being done by Cindy is also helping to take pressure off GPs in the Cwmtawe cluster.
Iestyn Davies, the cluster lead GP, said: “A lot of people go to their doctor because they have nowhere else to turn.
“They may be socially isolated with no friends or family nearby and a lot of their health problems are socially related.
“Being able to refer them to the specialised social prescribing worker to find out what help is available to them will give us more time for the people who need medical help.”
The idea of social prescribing workers has been up and running in England for a while, but Cindy’s post is the first in this area.
It’s been set up by a partnership between the Cwmtawe GP cluster, Swansea Council for Voluntary Service (SCVS) and the ABMU health board.
SCVS health and well-being manager Amy Meredith-Davies said: “As the umbrella organisation for voluntary activity in Swansea, we know that the voluntary sector has a huge role to play in supporting health and well-being.
“However, with lots of different services and groups out there it can often be very difficult for GPs to keep up to date with what’s available and how to refer people, so Cindy’s role is really the link between the GPs and voluntary organisations.”
The part-time post, based at Clydach Primary Care Centre and New Cross Surgery in Morriston, is currently funded for 18 months, but it’s hoped that will be extended.