A team of seven super-connected link workers have joined GPs across Mid-Nottinghamshire to help residents.

Link workers help people to take control of their health and wellbeing and strengthen their personal resilience by taking into account a person’s full circumstances.

They connect people to community groups to improve isolation alongside referring to statutory services for practical support in areas that have an impact on a person’s wellbeing, such as mental health difficulties, debt, housing issues or physical/social inactivity.

They work alongside clinical services like GPs and are part of the Mid-Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Partnership.

Each of the team is linked to a local Primary Care Network across Mid-Nottinghamshire and they include: Claire Haigh, covering Rosewood (formerly known as Mansfield South); Helen Duszynski, covering Mansfield North; Sylvia Porter, covering Ashfield North; Louise Redhead, covering Ashfield South; and Victoria Davies, covering Sherwood

Louise, who is the team leader, said: “Often people think the only answer for a physical health problem is something that can be prescribed by a doctor.

“We know that actually helping with the social side and linking in with existing community groups and local services can greatly help with confidence, reduce isolation and improve people’s quality of life.”