SIS is very proud to have been delivering Bilingual Social Prescribing for over 10 year.
On National Social Prescribing Day we would like to offer our heartfelt thanks and celebrate the achievements of our dedicated team of volunteer and professional social prescribers, past and present, who have made a huge difference to the lives of SIS Service Users.
The NHS Sussex report Social Prescribing Works states
“Social Prescribing is an effective way of tackling health inequalities and improving health and wellbeing by addressing the social determinants of health, through connecting people to services, support or activities in their community, to help with social, emotional or practical needs.”
Social Prescribing at SIS started with a pilot project in 2014, staffed by a small group of SIS Community Interpreters who volunteered their time to provide additional help and support to our Service Users; helping with correspondence, providing information about services, making appointments and linking people with community groups and activities.
In the intervening period we have recruited and trained over 100 Bilingual Volunteers, many of whom have gone on work in professional linguist roles at SIS including as Social Prescribing Link-workers.
“In my role as Volunteer Social Prescriber, the training and support gave me confidence and competence for my new tasks. I benefitted from the mentors assigned to guide me and answer my questions so that I grew and thrived in my role.”
Uptake of the service has increased by an average 35% each year; from 132 referrals in 2016 to 620 referrals in 2024.
Delivery of services through a trusted community based organisation encourages Service Users to seek help– over 50% is self-referral. Using Bilingual Social Prescribers who share the same language, culture and lived experience helps people to feel recognised, safe and understood which in turns enables them to open up about the issues they are experiencing.
“I had been feeling isolated. This is the first time someone has asked me if I need something. I am very grateful as this is the first time, in the year and half since I arrived in the UK, that I have received such great support in such a short space of time. Without your help, I would never know that these services exist in the community.”
The presenting issues vary widely but casework has always needed to focus on the basic security issues of housing, benefits/debt and access to health/social care services.
We are an award winning service;
2024 shortlisted as Best Local Social Prescribing Team by the National Academy for Social Prescribing
2022 Best Social Prescribing Partnership from the National Association of Link-workers
2026 Outstanding Volunteer Contribution from Community Works
