If you work alongside SPLW— Social Prescribing Link WorkerA role that supports people to access community-based services, groups and activities to meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. Used internationally; equivalents in some countries include 'link worker', 'community connector' or 'health navigator'. (or are about to) and want to refer people, this is what good referrals look like.
When to refer to the SPLW
A referral makes sense when the person:
has a non-medical issue affecting their health and wellbeing — loneliness, money worries, housing, employment, bereavement, low mood not at clinical threshold, lack of social activity.
has multiple long-term conditions and would benefit from time and support to plan how they manage them.
is presenting frequently with social or wellbeing-related issues that the clinical team cannot fully address.
has been recently diagnosed and would benefit from connection to community support.
is socially isolated or recently bereaved.
has expressed a wish to change something about their lifestyle but lacks support or motivation.
When not to refer to the SPLW
The person needs a clinical intervention (medication review, therapy referral, urgent mental health support, physical health care). Refer clinically.
The person needs specialist advice the SPLW— Social Prescribing Link WorkerA role that supports people to access community-based services, groups and activities to meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. Used internationally; equivalents in some countries include 'link worker', 'community connector' or 'health navigator'. can't provide (immigration advice, specialist debt advice). The SPLW— Social Prescribing Link WorkerA role that supports people to access community-based services, groups and activities to meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. Used internationally; equivalents in some countries include 'link worker', 'community connector' or 'health navigator'. can connect them to it, but in time-critical cases refer the specialist directly.
The person is in acute crisis. SPLW— Social Prescribing Link WorkerA role that supports people to access community-based services, groups and activities to meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. Used internationally; equivalents in some countries include 'link worker', 'community connector' or 'health navigator'. work needs space and time. Crisis comes first.
What makes a good referral
A clear note about why you're referring and what the person hopes for.
Consent — the person knows about the SPLW— Social Prescribing Link WorkerA role that supports people to access community-based services, groups and activities to meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. Used internationally; equivalents in some countries include 'link worker', 'community connector' or 'health navigator'. and has agreed.
Some context — but not a full medical history.
Realistic timing — SPLW— Social Prescribing Link WorkerA role that supports people to access community-based services, groups and activities to meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. Used internationally; equivalents in some countries include 'link worker', 'community connector' or 'health navigator'. work over weeks and months, not in single appointments.
What makes a poor referral
"Won't engage with services" — usually a sign the services aren't a fit, not the person.
A hand-off because the clinical team has run out of ideas.
A referral the person doesn't know about.
A referral with no presenting need beyond "low mood" — without context this is hard to act on.
After the referral
Expect a first contact within agreed timescales.
Expect updates back through the case management system as the work progresses.
Refer back if a clinical question or concern emerges from the SPLW— Social Prescribing Link WorkerA role that supports people to access community-based services, groups and activities to meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. Used internationally; equivalents in some countries include 'link worker', 'community connector' or 'health navigator'.'s work — this is what MDT— Multidisciplinary teamA team of professionals from different disciplines working together with the person at the centre. working is for.
