Jean-Paul Winter, Louise Birch and Candi Hulley are our PCN Social Prescribers, along with Wellbeing Team Leader Stuart Lord. They are employed by our Primary Care Network, Coast & Country across 5 local practices: Stratton, Holsworthy and Hatherleigh, Bradworthy and Neetside. 

Social Prescribing is a way of linking people to the vast array of services, groups and activities provided locally to help people develop happier, healthier lifestyles. Patients can be referred to our social prescribers by their GP, by contacting them directly at any of the named surgeries above, or by simply booking in to the clinics.

To book in with Louise (Stratton and Neetside surgeries), Candi or JP (Holsworthy, Hatherleigh and Bradworthy), please contact your usual surgery or use email:

socialprescribing.pcnhbsv@nhs.net

For more details please click the link: Social Prescribing Leaflet

For an easy-read leaflet about social prescribing click EASY READ

Please read our Quick Guide to some regularly-used services across Devon and Cornwall that may be of help to you, whilst you wait to speak to one of the Social Prescribers.

ADULT SOCIAL CARE CORNWALL - to request help for an adult living in Cornwall.

Tel: 0300 1234 131

ADULT SOCIAL CARE DEVON  (Care Direct)- to request help for an adult living in Devon.

Tel: 0345 155 1007

Please find below a list of good advice sites that may be of help to you before talking to one of the Social Prescribers.

CITIZENS ADVICE CORNWALL

CITIZENS ADVICE DEVON

MONEY HELPER - free and impartial money and pensions guidance for people all across the UK, from the Money And Pensions Service. Includes: benefits, budgeting, family finance, savings, work, pensions and retirement. Webchat also available.

MONEY HELPER Help with the cost of living guide to managing bills and payments along with your mental health. 2023 updated downloadable guide.

PENSION CREDIT - around a third of eligible pensioners aren't claiming Pension Credit. Check if you could get help with living costs by going to the government website HERE or call 0800 99 1234.

HELP FOR HOUSEHOLDS - for a link to the Universal Credit support pages, outlining support packages available regarding Cost of Living payments and links to financial support available to people in eligible groups click HERE.

COST OF LIVING SUPPORT PAYMENTS (Cornwall) - support being given to families with children, includes free school meal, and support payments.

Other support for those living in Cornwall click HERE

COST OF LIVING SUPPORT PAYMENTS (Devon) - general listing of financial help available to people on low incomes, struggling to pay water, energy and food bills.

For a leaflet outlining where to get help with money worries, if you are living in Cornwall click HERE. 

HELP WITH BENEFITS AT HOME

You may be able to get a home visit from a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) officer to help you with your benefit claim. You cannot book a visit yourself. Tell DWP you need help to claim benefits by calling the number of the benefit you’re applying for. If you’re eligible, they’ll arrange a support visit.

You could be eligible for help with the cost of NHS prescriptions, NHS dental treatment, eyecare, travel to receive NHS treatment and NHS wigs and fabric supports.

Find out if you’re eligible using the free eligibility checker at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check

For a downloadable leaflet outlining some of the help available click HERE

If you're referred to hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostic tests by a doctor, dentist or another primary care health professional, you may be able to claim a refund of reasonable travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS).

Tel: 0300 330 1343

Website: HERE

If you have a low income, you may be able to get help with NHS costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS).

The scheme covers: prescription costs, dental costs, optician costs, etc.

Tel: 0300 330 1343

Website: HERE

For Cost of Living Support by Torridge District Council, for people living in the Torridge area, pleas click: HERE 

For Cost of Living Support by One Northern Devon, for national, regional and local support please click HERE

For general Cost of Living Support in Devon, across all areas - personal and business - click: HERE

For general Cost of Living Support in Cornwall, across all areas, click HERE

This information was correct May 2023.

For people living in Cornwall: 

Call: 0300 1234 161

Website: CORNWALL HOUSING

For people living in Devon:

Call: 01237 428849 (Torridge),  

01822 813600 (West Devon), 

01271 388870 (North Devon)

Website: DEVON HOMECHOICE

Support for those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless:

SHELTER  Free helpline: 0808 800 4444 

ST PETROCS (Cornwall) Tel: 01872 264153

ENCOMPASS SOUTHWEST Tel: 01271 371 499

For a full listing of local and national agencies supporting people through periods of bereavement and other bereavement information please visit our bereavement page HERE

Support for unpaid carers looking after loved ones, family or friends.

Cornwall Carers: click HERE

Tel: 01736 756655

PROMAS courses for carers in Cornwall: click HERE

Tel: 01736 339226

Devon Carers: click HERE

Tel: 03456 434 435

Carers Allowance: click HERE

Holsworthy Carers Support Group welcomes all unpaid carers caring for another adult, family member or friend. Overseen by Devon Carers and encourages peer support.

Meets 1st Thursday of each month, 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

Holsworthy Youth Centre, Sanders Lane, Holsworthy, EX22 6HE

Tel: 03456 434 435

Website: https://devoncarers.org.uk/

Bude Carers Support Group welcomes those caring for a family member, friend or neighbour on an unpaid basis. The groups offers a supportive and friendly place for poeple to take time out from their caring role and meet with others who understand the highs and lows of caring. Overseen by Cornwall Carers Service.

Meets 1st Wednesday of every month, 11am to 1pm.

St Martins, Killerton Road, Bude, EX23 8EL

Tel: 07773 054804 (Emma or Carole)

Website: https://www.cornwallcarers.org.uk/

For information about eligibility and how to apply for funding for a break from caring click HERE

Alternatively, please speak to one of the Social Prescribing team.

The Carers Break Fund provides a small amount of money (£50 minimum but an average of £172) to enable carers to enjoy an activity, hobby or anything else that helps provide time out from their caring role.

For information about the Carers Break Fund for people living in Devon please go to the Devon Carers website HERE

Carers support agency who work to transform the lives of unpaid carers of every age through innovative programmes, influencing policy, undertaking research and providing specialist resources, supporting those in a caring role.

For information about getting a break click HERE

Tel: 0300 772 9600

Website: https://carers.org/

Run through TTVS (Torridge Voluntary Service) this group offers a safe and friendly space for anyone who has experienced a stroke (and their supporters) to share experience and advice for mutual benefit. Please call in advance to register your intention to attend as space is limited.

Meets 1st Friday of every month from May 2024 from 2.15pm at The Kings Arms, Holsworthy, EX22 6EB.

Tel: 07708 471705 (Alison)

Meets at Berries Community Cafe, Bude, EX23 8QE on the 1st and 3rd Thursday each month, 2 - 4pm. 

Provides information and peer support in a friendly setting for anyone affected by stroke, plus their family and friends.

Tel: 01288 353403

A helpful place for people supporting and caring for elderly parents - advice, information, products and services to help everyone stay safe and well.

Also lots of information on Facebook and Instagram.

Website: https://carents.co.uk/

CORNWALL COUNCIL offers grants, loans and subsidies for energy use. Click HERE for details.

Support from British Gas click HERE

National Grid (previously Western Power) operate a Priority Services  Register. Free and confidential, it provides extra help and support during a power cut for people who are elderly, very ill or have a disability, if you rely on power for medical equipment or if you have any other priority need.

Call 105 in a power cut

Tel: 0800 096 3080 for general enquiries or go online HERE to find out more.

For a listing of support agencies and resources compiled by Inclusion Cornwall and helping people experiencing Fuel Poverty click HERE

Compiled May 2024

361 Community Energy is a not-for-profit social enterprise. Their focus is on providing energy advice to households and businesses in North Devon and Torridge, providing free energy-saving advice to vulnerable households. 

Tel: 01271 599361

Website: https://361energy.org/

If you have a household income of less than £30,000 a year, and live in Devon or Torbay, you may be eligible for free energy efficiency improvements to your home worth thousands of pounds. Click HERE for details of the Cosy Devon scheme and eligibility.

West Devon Council energy support click HERE

Torridge Council energy efficiency advice click HERE

North Devon energy efficiency grants and loans click HERE

Support from British Gas click HERE

Memorial Hall, North Road, Holsworthy, EX22 6DJ

To arrange a phone call or meeting:

Email: holsworthy@northerndevon.foodbank.org.uk

Contact via website HERE or speak to one of our Social Prescribers to arrange a voucher and any on-going necessary support.

The Venue, Stucley Road, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 8AR

To arrange a phone call or meeting: 

Email:foodbank@oceanscommunitychurch.co.uk

Tel: 01288 356635 (please leave a message if no-one is there to answer)

Website: https://budefoodbank.org.uk/contact-us/

Meets at Holsworthy Methodist Church, Bodmin Street, Holsworthy every Friday 1-2pm.

Aimed at people on a low budget or who are struggling financially. All welcome but not able to have dogs.

Food bags cost £5 but have minumum £15 worth of items.

Available on Facebook using 'Holsworthy Food Hub'.

£1 meals from BBC Food click HERE

For information about help with water poverty, tariffs, support schemes being offered by South West Water click HERE

TEL: 0344 346 2020

Southwest Water Support Service webpage: HERE

Main website: https://www.southwestwater.co.uk/

For information about qualifying for free school meals in Devon click HERE

For information about qualifying for free school meals in Cornwall clcik HERE

For a listing of government support for families and childcare costs click HERE

For information about what government help is available to people struggling with travel costs click HERE

If you need to go to a hospital or other healthcare provider you may be able to use the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS). Click HERE fo details.

Online support and 1:1 sessions, plus workshops for farmers. Farmers can access up to 12 hours of free business support through a range of one-to-one advice and workshops with expert advisors and speakers.

Website: THRIVE

Tel: 01237 428834

Support hub for farmers and their families, personal or business-related. FCN run a confidential, national helpline and e-helpline which is open every day of the year from 7am to 11pm, providing free, confidential support to anyone who seeks help. 

Website: https://fcn.org.uk/

Helpline: 03000 111 999

A hub of support services in and around the Okehampton area. Information provided by West Devon Community Voluntary Service

Tel: 01837 738133

Website: https://westdevoncvs.org.uk/projects/in-touch-at-home-oke/

The current pressures on farmers are significant and whether the issues relate to financial matters, health or mental health problems, difficulties coping with modern day life, or indeed a mixture of all of these, the Farm Help charities can often assist.

For a list of agencies offering support, drawn up by Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association click HERE

For Cornwall Council's Winter Wellbeing 2024/25 support information and links, click HERE

The following list of support agencies has been prepared by Cornwall Council:

HOUSING OPTIONS

For Cornwall Housing Helpdesk

Call: 0300 1234 161

Website: https://www.cornwallhousing.org.uk/

Offering Check-in & Chat services for people feeling lonely and/or isolated, plus help with transport to vaccination appointments etc.

Tel: 0808 196 3646

Website: https://nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk/

To consider general housing options in Devon go to the Devon County Council Housing website:

HERE

For specific support, access via your District Council:

Torridge Tel: 01237 428700

North Devon Tel: 01271 388870

West Devon Tel: 01822 813600

Based at Upper Tamar Lake, SW Lakes Trust are running wellness sessions which offer a small group experience and safe space. There is the opportunity to chat and cook together around the fire, learn woodland crafts, and take care of the land and ourselves. Lunch and beverages are provided. Assistance with transport can be arranged.

Tel: 07739 428180 (Rick Lockwood)

Woodland Wellness Poster

Wiser Money works across rural Devon and Somerset offering free, confidential debt and money advice. The service supports people who find it hard to know where to start in sorting things out: dealing with telephone calls, online services, explaining circumstances. Wiser Money assists in finding appropriate services to help with money and debt, or work with you to sort it out. We visit people at home, and we stay involved until the job is done.

Website: https://www.navigatecharity.org.uk/#get-help

Tel: 01823 299050

For a really useful leaflet identifiying agencies offering support to those with money worries living in Cornwall, click HERE

The Advocacy People are an independent charity that provide free, independent and confidential advocacy services.

They provide these services to help resolve issues or concerns people may have about health and wellbeing or  health and social care services.

Tel: 0330 440 9000

Text: PEOPLE to 80800

Website: https://www.theadvocacypeople.org.uk/

Cornwall branch of the national organisation helping adults to gain confidence in reading. Access Jay Blade's documentary showing the help Read Easy gave to him.

Tel: 07342 744 388

Read Easy website: HERE

Read Easy Cornwall website: HERE

Devon-wide support for adults needing help to gain confidence with reading.

Tel: 07942 377 377 (North Devon area)

Tel: 07942 386 000 (Okehamton area)

Read Easy website: HERE

Read Easy Devon website: HERE

Run by Cornwall Mind, Creative Minds is a relaxed space where you can focus on your wellbeing and express your creative ideas through poetry, art, music and writing. Using words and poems as themes, you'll share, explore, and create your own art to support your wellbeing. You'll have an opportunity to make new social connections, build self-confidence and learn new skills in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. All free.

Meets fortnightly on Wednesdays, 12noon to 2pm at Berries Community Cafe, Corner of Berries Ave and Bede Haven Close Bude Cornwall , EX23 8QE.

Tel: 01208 892855

Website: HERE

Pain Cafes are active across Cornwall, offering people the opportunity to investigate techniques to self-manage pain in an easy, friendly way. They are available at local venues or online or at local venues.

Nearest local venues are at BUDE and LAUNCESTON

Website: https://pain.cafe/

National scheme overseen by RVS to enable those who are restricted in mobility or access to services through medical limitations or other factors.

Pick Up and Deliver

• Volunteers deliver medication or small items of medical equipment directly to people’s homes from NHS sites. 

Check In and Chat

• Volunteers provide friendly phone calls.

Check In and Chat Plus

• Volunteer support for more vulnerable people. This is a series of calls from the same volunteer for six weeks.

Community Response (available in some areas)

• Volunteers assist with various activities, such as collecting and delivering essential items like food shopping and prescriptions.

Tel: 0808 196 3646

Website: https://nhscarevolunteerresponders.org/services

Support for those with problems related to gambling, including young people's service. Offers multiple chat platforms - details via the website.

Website: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/

Tel: 0808 8020 133

Help with recovery from gambling. Bristol service now available in Cornwall. Offers:

• Gambling Harm Awareness sessions for young people in schools (gambling in gaming)
• Free  counselling - for people suffering from gambling harm, and also their family/ friends
• Self exclusion support
• Relapse prevention groups

Website: https://www.recovery4all.co.uk/

Tel: 0330 1340 286

Downloadable leaflet: HERE

UKAT provides excellent care and treatment to enable all those suffering from addictive disorders to achieve a goal of life-long recovery. They treat addiction as an illness, not a life choice, and ensure that all practitioners are highly trained and motivated to enable individuals to embark on a life changing process.

Website: https://www.ukat.co.uk/

Tel: 0808 239 0853

Offers FRE, confidential support to people experinecing harm from gambling. Provided by NHS practitioners through Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, it is available to anyone registered in a GP practice in the South West, and their families.

Tel:  0330 022 3175 (Mon - Fri 9am to 7pm)

Website: HERE

Physical activity affects not only our physical health and fitness, but it boosts mental health and wellbeing. We want to encourage all our patients to stay as physically active as they are able.

Click on the image to find a list of general and local exercise options available to you. If you have any health restrictions, then please discuss the most appropriate exercise options for you with either your GP, Health & Wellbeing Coach or Social Prescriber.

Information was correct at the time of adding. Always check any group first, before attending in case times and/or venues have changed.