Member Spotlight – Gosia Chmielewska, Social Prescribing Team Lead

Member Spotlight- Gosia Chmielewska

Meet the award winning Gosia, Social Prescribing Team Lead-Groundwork /Great West Road PCN

Please summarise your role responsibilities

As the Team Lead of Social Prescribers, my primary responsibilities include:
• Overseeing and Supporting the Team: Managing a team of social prescribers, providing guidance, support, and mentorship to ensure they are effective in their roles.
• Coordinating Services: Collaborating with healthcare providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to create a comprehensive network of resources for our clients.
• Developing Programs: Designing and implementing social prescribing programs tailored to meet the needs of our community.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Tracking the progress and outcomes of social prescribing interventions, analysing data to assess their effectiveness, and making improvements where necessary.
• Training and Development: Facilitating training sessions and professional development opportunities for the team to ensure they stay updated with best practices.
• Advocacy and Outreach: Promoting the benefits of social prescribing to the wider community and advocating for necessary resources and policy support.

What is your most significant accomplishment in your role?

I am honoured to have received this year’s NALW #LinkWorkerDay2024 award and to have been voted Best Staff of the Year 2023 by my Primary Care Network, Great West Road (GWR).

However the accomplishments, that stands out the most is the profound impact my work as social prescriber has had on patients’ lives. For example, through our social prescribing services, we’ve helped individuals who were in the depths of despair, facing eviction, unable to pay bills, or struggling to afford a Christmas meal. By addressing these social determinants of health, we’ve helped turn their lives around when medication alone was insufficient.

Additionally, I am proud of the collective achievements of my team. Together, we have not only met but exceeded our targets, reducing the waiting list from over 100 to zero. This accomplishment demonstrates our commitment to providing timely and effective support to those in need.

What is the biggest challenge you are currently facing?

The biggest challenge currently is managing the growing demand for social prescribing services with limited resources., e.g. housing.

As awareness of the benefits of social prescribing increases, more individuals are seeking our services. Ensuring we have enough trained staff and resources to meet this demand while maintaining the quality of service is an ongoing challenge. Balancing this growth with maintaining personalised care for each individual remains a top priority.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Social Prescribing Link Workers and/or Social Prescribing Programmes?

• Build Strong Networks: Cultivate relationships with a diverse range of community organizations and healthcare providers. A strong network is essential for providing comprehensive support to clients.
• Stay Patient-Centered: Always prioritise the needs and preferences of the individuals you are supporting. Tailoring interventions to their unique circumstances leads to better outcomes.
• Continuously Learn and Adapt: The field of social prescribing is evolving. Stay informed about new research, approaches, and tools that can enhance your practice.
• Self-Care: Social prescribing can be demanding. Ensure you also take care of your own well-being to avoid burnout and continue providing high-quality support.

What do you do for fun when not working?

When I’m not working, I am very proactive about my own well-being. I spend daily time in nature, going for mindful walks, often with a sketchbook to draw or sketch the beauty of nature, such as flowers. This practice helps me see the beauty around me, connect with nature, and relax. Additionally, I enjoy reading, cooking, and participating in local community events. These activities help me recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

How has NALW supported you in your role?

The National Association of Link Workers (NALW) has been instrumental in supporting my role by providing access to a wealth of resources, including best practice guidelines, training materials, and networking opportunities. Their ongoing professional development programs have equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in my position. NALW’s advocacy efforts have also been crucial in ensuring that our work is recognized and supported at the policy level.

How has NALW supported your career development?

NALW has played a key role in my career development by offering various learning and development opportunities. Through their workshops, conferences, and online courses, I have been able to enhance my skills and stay updated with the latest trends in social prescribing.

The recognition I received through a national award, facilitated by NALW, has also boosted my professional profile and opened up further career opportunities.

How does NALW add value to Social Prescribing Link Workers?

NALW adds significant value to Social Prescribing Link Workers by:
• Providing Professional Resources: Offering a comprehensive library of tools, guidelines, and research to support best practices.
• Facilitating Training and Development: Organizing training sessions, webinars, and conferences that help SPLWs stay informed and skilled.
• Promoting Advocacy: Championing the cause of social prescribing at the policy level, ensuring that the importance of the role is recognized and adequately supported.
• Creating Networking Opportunities: Providing platforms for SPLWs to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other.
• Offering Support: Being a source of guidance and assistance for SPLWs facing challenges in their roles.

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