In this edition of Connecting Conversations we welcome Claire Walker. Claire shares her story and experience of being a Social Prescribing Link Worker on the frontline. A challenging but rewarding place and somewhere we all need reminding of as we continue to grow and develop social prescribing locally and globally.

In the evolving landscape of personalised care, the Social Prescribing Link Worker is both architect and advocate, facilitating in shaping pathways that respond to the complexities of human need. Claire Walker's journey exemplifies the intellectual and emotional responsiveness demanded by this role: navigating the friction of entrenched systems, translating vision into practice across diverse surgeries, and sustaining momentum in the face of uncertainty. The Link Worker's work is not linear; it is defined by adaptive problem-solving, coalition-building, and the relentless pursuit of what matters most to individuals and communities.

The pandemic exposed both the fragility and the necessity of these transformative connector roles. As established support structures vanished overnight, Social Prescribing Link Workers became a lifeline, responding not just with resources, but with presence, empathy, and creative collaboration. The emotional toll has been real and remains so still today, balancing the weight of others' vulnerabilities while nurturing a resilient, purpose-driven team. Yet it is precisely in these moments of challenge that the value of the Link Worker is most powerfully realised, demonstrating that complex care is as much about relationships and trust as it is about systems and outcomes.

I hope Claire's read bring you back to what it really means to be working on the frontline of social prescribing

Enjoy!

Siân 

"Why do you keep doing what you do?" "Why does it matter to you?"

By Claire Walker 

I reflect to 2019 when Social Prescribing was born – and beyond.

I didn't come into Social Prescribing by accident. Looking back, I can see that my background gave me a foundation of knowledge that gave me some preparation. What I couldn't have anticipated, however, were the highs and the lows, the moments that challenged me the most and the moments that reminded me why this work matters.

My journey began in 2019, the NHS introduced Social Prescribing as part of the long-term plan, the aim, to tackle the social determinants of health. I was already working within general practice as a Care Coordinator. My previous experience led me to this point and was so valuable. But the role of a SPLW was different, there was so much opportunity to help make positive changes, I was hooked.

Promoting social prescribing across seven different surgeries was not easy. Each one had its own pressures and way of working. I found myself explaining the role over and over again, what it was, what it wasn't and why it mattered. Through, it all, the PCN (Billingham & Norton) and Hartlepool and Stockton Health (GP Federation) were a constant support. When things felt overwhelming, they were there, offering guidance, reassurance and most importantly belief in the work we were trying to build.

Just as the pathways were beginning to open, everything changed.

Referrals were coming through I had built connections with organisations, and the service was taking shape. Then Covid struck. Almost overnight, the world slowed, doors closed and people felt completely alone. The places they once relied on for connection and support suddenly disappeared. I knew at this point that social prescribing would come into its own.

When everything stopped, the heart of the role became clearer than ever.

The message was to stay at home, but I didn't. Instead, I went into my base within surgery alongside the other staff. It didn't feel like a choice, it felt like a responsibility. Patients needed support and I had worked so hard to promote the service, to build pathways, to make sure people knew help was there. This mattered, now, more than ever! It was time to put everything into action.

So, I began, working through the practices' vulnerable patient lists. Spending my days ringing the vulnerable, reassuring, listening and connecting wherever I could. I heard fear, loneliness and uncertainty but I also heard relief and gratitude. Those conversations became more than check-ins; they were lifelines to so many.

I also connected with new organisations set up urgently by the local council during Covid. These services were almost created overnight to respond to the crisis. The role did exactly what it was developed to do, it connected people to support, to community and to hope. Together we worked, navigating new challenges, adapting to changing circumstances and finding ways to reach those who needed us the most. It was hard, it was emotional with a constant pressure of knowing people were relying on us. The work we were doing was transformative, for the patients, for the community and for me.

Fast forward, 7 years and I am now the team Lead of 13 amazing individuals. Each person bringing their own strengths, passion and dedication to the work we do. With the benefit of specific roles we can work more effectively, providing personalised care to ensure that every patient entrusted to us receives the best care.

I have total belief in Personalised Care and all the roles this encompasses. Each role, from Social Prescribers, Health and Wellbeing Coaches to Care Coordinators, plays a vital part in the "What Matters to Me" personalised care model. I've seen how these roles transform lives. These roles give time and space to truly listen and empower individuals. It is great for the patient, alleviates pressure on the healthcare system and is good for the community.

Social prescribing supports community groups by increasing participation, improving visibility and forging stronger partnerships. We have supported many groups enabling them to reach and support more people within their communities.

Norton Men's Shed is one such group. When I first connected with its founder, Graham Storer, it was little more than idea. A chance telephone call, made while Graham was cruising in the Mediterranean, later developed into an outstanding, award-winning community group. The ethos of the group closely aligns with our own way of working, grounded in fellowship, acceptance and mutual support.

A variety of groups have also been established, including "Walk and Talk" sessions in local parks, cancer support groups, arts and crafts groups, a dedicated group for mums and a group specifically supporting people with learning disabilities. Whenever a gap in support is identified, we respond and step in to fill it, creating the opportunities for those who need it most.

I am extremely proud of the team I get to work with; I witness the emotional challenges this role can bring. What matters to me most is supporting my team as people and not just professionals. We are each other's cheerleaders, celebrating the wins, learning from setbacks, lifting each other up and facing challenges together.

My journey continues, I still visit patients, not as often as I once did, but their stories remain as humbling as ever. Each conversation reminds me why I chose this path, the courage people show in the face of loneliness, illness or uncertainty. Those moments, listening, sharing and simply being present are moving reminders of the trust placed in us and the impact Social Prescribing can have.

This is why it matters and why I keep doing what I do. 

About Claire:

 Part of the world I live: North East – Teesside

Occupation: Personalised Care Team Lead / Social Prescriber Link Worker – Billingham and Norton PCN. I'm also a Reiki Practitioner supporting holistic wellbeing.

What makes You well? Spending time at the beach walking my 2 dogs, and my family

Why is social prescribing important? Social Prescribing is important because it addresses the non-clinical needs and focusses on the whole person.

Your favourite nature based space? By the sea

Your favourite music? Depends on my mood

If you had one wish for social prescribing what would it be? I wish we had a way to track the impact of the service.

Which one person has most influenced you and why? My friend and former colleague Judith. Her courage, belief and boundary breaking spirit lives on in everything I do.

Any advice for others when working in this space with communities? Link into communities by attending focus groups / community meetings – be present and build trust.