Social Prescribing Day is an opportunity to highlight the work of dedicated Social Prescribing Link Workers (SPLWs) and the impact they have on individuals facing significant challenges. Vanessa Booth has been an SPLW for nearly two years, bringing with her a wealth of experience from various sectors. Her journey into social prescribing began after years of volunteering and working in community-focused roles, driven by a deep desire to support others.

A Passion for Helping Others

Vanessa’s career started as a volunteer and Secretary for Home-Start Bielefeld, where she supported military families. This experience sparked her passion for helping people navigate difficult situations. After returning to the UK, she worked for Age UK and pursued a degree in Health and Social Care at Lincoln University. Later, she spent six years as a Skills Development Officer before being made redundant. However, this led her to the opportunity to become a Social Prescribing Link Worker—a role she now loves.

Every day presents new challenges, but also the opportunity to make meaningful connections. Vanessa’s role involves helping individuals access community resources, gain confidence, and rebuild their lives. One recent case highlights just how vital this work can be.

A Case of Rebuilding Trust

In June 2023, a client was referred for social prescribing, but multiple attempts to contact her were unsuccessful. In early 2024, she provided a new contact number but did not answer calls. It was not until April, when she visited Mint Lane Café, that she met an SPLW from another area who encouraged her to attend a drop-in session.

When she arrived, she recognised Vanessa from a previous role. This familiarity immediately established trust, which made engaging with support services much easier. The client had been through severe challenges, including domestic abuse, bereavement due to suicide, and ongoing mental health struggles. She also faced the emotional impact of having her children in care.

Vanessa worked with her step by step, ensuring she felt supported without being overwhelmed. She was referred to cooking classes, self-referred for grief counselling, and attended a community coffee group. With encouragement, she started a conversation with a neighbour at the group, eventually agreeing to meet again. The next day, she returned to the café alone, where she spoke with a volunteer—an enormous step towards regaining confidence.

To further assist, Vanessa made a referral to Voiceability to help the client navigate Social Services and advocate for herself. The client expressed how valuable it was to have someone on her side, providing guidance without pressure. With gentle reminders and encouragement, she started believing in herself again. Now, she is exploring the possibility of returning to work part-time—something that once seemed impossible.

The Power of Social Prescribing

Vanessa’s story is a testament to the power of social prescribing. It is not just about referring people to services—it is about building trust, offering encouragement, and providing consistent support. The work of SPLWs like Vanessa helps individuals take small but significant steps towards improving their lives.

This Social Prescribing Day, it is important to recognise the dedication of professionals like Vanessa Booth. Their work changes lives, helping people find confidence, community, and hope for the future.