Community Link Practitioners

Community Link Practitioners aim to provide support to people to live healthier lives. Their role is to talk to you about what matters and work with you to take positive steps to better health, or signpost you to appropriate organisations which can offer you more support.

Your health can be affected in many different ways that are not always medical related. Health can be impacted by loneliness and isolation, money worries, housing issues, work challenges, and lifestyle choices or changes.

What do Community Link Practitioners do?

Community Link Practitioners have time to talk about what really matters to you. They can assist you to identify the problems and issues you are experiencing and help you find the right support. They understand what is available in your community and will work with you to tackle social, emotional, or practical issues impacting your wellbeing. This might be:

• Managing stress, anxiety, and mental health concerns
• Finding social activities and local support groups.
• Accessing advice on housing, employment, or volunteering.
• Support with healthy living, such as stopping smoking, eating well, or staying active.
• Guidance on financial worries and accessing benefits.
• Navigating life changes including menopause or caring for relatives.

You will find Community Link Practitioners in all GP Practices in South Ayrshire. If you are looking for support, speak to the staff at your GP surgery to arrange an appointment.

What do Community Link Practitioners not do?

Community Link Practitioners are non-clinical social practitioners therefore they are unable to provide clinical advice or support. This includes discussing medications and making referrals to NHS services, such as the mental health team or arranging appointments with the clinical staff at your GP practice.

Whilst the service can signpost you to local authority services, they do not have any authority over the processes and protocols that these services have in place.

If you require urgent assistance in relation to your physical and mental wellbeing, please contact NHS24 on 111, or in an emergency situation, call 999.