A NEW SOCIAL wellbeing clinic is being piloted in Southampton.

The social wellbeing clinic, for adults with a need to social care support, has launched at Woolston Lodge Surgery.

Trialling for four months and taking place every Friday, the clinic will offer tailored support for GP-referred adults aged 18 and over.

Trained social care practitioners will be on-hand to offer individual advice and information in an informal setting to prevent or delay social care needs arising.

To launch the event, Paul Juan, service director for adult social care at Southampton City Council, councillor Lorna Fielker, Southampton adult care boss, Woolston ward councillor Warwick Payne, Berni Vincent, community navigator at SPECTRUM and GP partners at the surgery, Dr Sophie Hughes and Dr Mark Casey.

Dr Nigel Jones, GP at Woolston Lodge Surgery said: “This approach supports patients being seen at an earlier stage in their social care journey and will give them access to advice in their own locality.

“It also opens the doors to cross-agency working as GP’s from all three of the Woolston practices will be able to refer cases into the wellbeing clinics, which will be held at Woolston Lodge Surgery.”

Councillor Lorna Fielker, cabinet member for Adult Care said: “Having a social wellbeing clinic and bringing together health, social care and community resources makes sense.

“It means people will be able to get advice and support from one place within their own community, focussing on giving them the tools to live their lives to the fullest.

“This way of working will also develop stronger working partnerships between adult social care, health professionals, the community and third sector organisations.”

The advice issued will include advice on maintaining independence, keeping safe at home, remaining healthy and staying well, making friends and getting involved in the community.