Living with a long-term condition can have an impact on all aspects of our lives and it’s important to know what support there is to help you manage and overcome these challenges.
Primary Care - Meet the team
Within your healthcare team there are a number of healthcare professionals based at your GP practice that can support you to live well with your condition. This is known as Primary Care.
Community link workers
A community link worker provides advice and support on any social issues affecting you, including money worries, debt, benefits and welfare, unemployment, social isolation, bereavement or housing. They can also signpost you to local services and community-based groups and activities.
If you're feeling low and are concerned about your mental wellbeing, a community link worker has time to listen to any concerns you may have and will work with you to help you feel better and will connect you to local services, groups or activities.
Primary Care Coordinators
A Primary Care Coordinator acts as a single point of contact to ensure appropriate support is made available to you and your carers, supporting you to understand and manage your condition and address any needs relating to your treatment.
Together with you, they can co-produce a care plan that identifies your care and support needs and explore the different options to help you make informed decisions about your treatment pathway. They can support you to navigate the health care system, manage appointments and prepare for clinical conversations.
If you have recently been discharged from hospital and would like to access this service, please contact your GP practice.
Healthy Routes Advisors
Healthy Routes Advisors can provide free, confidential and practical personal support and motivation tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle to improve your health.
They'll work with you to guide, encourage and support you on making healthier lifestyle changes to help you manage your condition better. This includes:
- Cutting down or giving up smoking tobacco
- Eating a healthy diet, even on a tight budget
- Being more physically active, whatever your level of fitness
- Losing and managing your weight
- Cutting down or stopping drinking alcohol
- Reducing stress or anxiety, or helping you build with your self-esteem and confidence.
To find out more about Healthy Routes:
Money worries and debt advice
Employment support
LGBTQ+ support
Veterans support
Menopause support
Digital support
Bereavement support
Domestic abuse