We have two social prescribing offers that support young people in improving their wellbeing and accessing community services. Find out more through the tabs below.
Social prescribing helps to connect people to community services and local groups that can help to support their health and wellbeing.
CAMHS Link Worker Project
Link Workers work for Off The Record and are also part of the Bath and North East Somerset Community CAMHS team, offering non-clinical one‑to‑one support for young people who are accessing CAMHS.
What is a Link Worker?
Link Workers use something called social prescribing. We give you the time and space to think about what matters to you and then support you to work towards one or more of your wellbeing goals. This might be through offering advice, connecting you with local community groups and activities, and helping you rediscover your interests and talents, or discover new ones! Since we are embedded within the B&NES CAMHS team, we only work with under-18s who are getting support from CAMHS.
We can help and support you with:
Getting to know you and building a trusting relationship
Accessing local community activities to reduce social isolation
Getting help from other organisations if this would help to improve your mental health
Accessing self-help materials
When might I see a Link Worker?
Link Workers might work with you during various points in your CAMHS journey.
This may be:
While you are waiting for support from a clinician from the CAMHS service.
At the same time as you are getting support from CAMHS clinician.
After you have finished getting support from CAMHS clinician and are getting ready to be discharged from CAMHS.
As the only professional to support you at CAMHS.
Usually, you will see a Link Worker regularly for a period of a few of months, but everyone’s circumstances are different so this might vary. The sessions can take place in your local community, including some at your home, if you’d prefer that than coming to CAMHS.
I’m getting support from CAMHS and I’m interested! How can I see a Link Worker?
Contact your CAMHS worker to find out more - they can also put in a referral for you!
Feedback from young people and professionals
“I liked how I could talk openly to someone else who isn’t family or friends.”
“The sessions were fun and they took my mind of [sic] things”
“Our social prescribing team support children who are struggling with feelings of isolation or who are low on confidence reengage with community support, their hobbies and interests and social activities. This supports improvements in their wellbeing and ability to navigate daily life with the aim of making them more self sufficient and growing their support networks.”