Community Link Workers
Within Lanarkshire, there is a well-established Community Link Worker (CLW) Programme available to all GP practices. The service has been successfully up and running since early 2021 and has engaged with over 10,000 patients. The service was introduced during the most challenging of times as the world faced a global pandemic, and has proved to be an invaluable resource to GP Practices and patients in Lanarkshire.
What is a CLW?
A CLW is a non-clinical practitioner who will support people experiencing social stressors that are having an effect on their physical health, mental health and/or well-being. A CLW provides holistic support to connect patients with community resources and services to empower them to take action on wider social and/or lifestyle factors. CLWs have a vast knowledge and close working relationships with a range of services including social care, charities, community work, drug and alcohol support, housing and money advice to be able to provide support and help.
Where are CLWs based?
CLWs are primarily based in a GP practice on specific days/times between Monday to Friday; 0900-1700hours. The CLWs provide support to more than one GP practice over a week period and dedicated sessions are agreed with each GP practice for example, a full day or a half day – morning or afternoon in practice. Please contact your own GP practice to find out further information of the days and times the CLW is available.
How can I get an appointment with a CLW?
A GP, nurse or other member of staff within the practice may feel that you would benefit from accessing the CLW programme. A referral will then forwarded on to the service. The GP practice reception team will arrange a suitable date/time for you to have a telephone conversation with the CLW in the first instance. This initial call is an opportunity to consider what help and support can be offered to things like benefits, housing, bereavement, anxiety, employment support to help link you in with appropriate services with In the community.
Am I eligible?
The CLW programme can help you if you are a –
- Patient aged 18 years and above
- Patient experiencing social stressors that are impacting on your mental and physical health and wellbeing. Some examples (this is not an exhaustive list) of these include:
-
- Financial & Welfare
- Housing
- Employment
- Education
- Social Isolation
- Physical activity – weight management
- Trauma
- Relationships
- Low levels of mental health due to underlying social issues
- Carers
- Bereavement
- Non-medical health issues
- Addictions
- Sleep issues
-
We unfortunately are not able to accept patients to the service that are:
- Under 18 years’ old
- Have any medical issue requiring a clinical input
- Require medical letters of support
- Patients who are experiencing:
- Symptoms of acute physical and mental illness
- Risk of suicide or self-harming behaviours
What will happen when I go to see a CLW?
- CLWs are friendly, non-judgemental people who are there to listen and support you, whatever you’re having difficulty with.
- The CLWs support everyone on an individual basis and length of support will dependant on the needs of the patient. On average our support ranges between 4-6 sessions.
- You can talk to us face to face, over the phone or via a video link – whatever works for you.
- CLWs will always be guided by your goals and priorities. You’ll be able to take things at your own pace and you’ll never have to do anything you don’t feel comfortable with.
Is it confidential?
We won’t share your information with anyone else unless:
- you give us permission
- we’re concerned about you or someone else’s safety, in accordance with adult and child protections policies
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like to know more about the Programme, please get in touch by emailing gpclw-pcip@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
Your Feedback – comments, concerns and complaints
NHS Lanarkshire is committed to improving the service it provides to patients and their families. We, therefore, want to hear from you about your experience. If you would like to tell us about this please visit our feedback page.
