National mental health charity Change Mental Health achieved gold at the inaugural Mental Health and Wellbeing Awards in Scotland, organised by The Ajuda Foundation, with Best Wellbeing Service for its Community Link Worker (CLW) service in Highland.
The service was recognised for the tangible and exceptional impact it makes on people’s wellbeing across the region.
Community Link Worker has transformed how people across Highland access non-clinical, person-centred support in their community.
Commissioned and funded by NHS Highland since 2021, the service recently expanded from 29 GP surgeries to 62, providing vital social prescribing that focuses on improving health outcomes for people experiencing stressors in their lives due to social problems that could lead to poor mental and physical health.
Coleen Kelly, Director of Services at Change Mental Health, who collected the award on behalf of the Community Link Worker team at the awards, said:
“This award is a huge testament to the dedication of our Community Link Worker team, who work tirelessly to support people in the ways that work best for them.
“By listening, understanding and connecting individuals to the right support, we are helping people lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
“Social prescribing isn’t just an ‘extra’.
“It represents a fundamental shift in how we approach wellbeing.
“We’re proud to see this service recognised on a national level and we remain committed to expanding its reach across Highland.”
Change Mental Health is also marking Social Prescribing Day this year (19th March) by highlighting the impact that the Community Link Worker service is making across Highland communities to connect people to activities, groups and support that improve health and wellbeing.
The service addresses referrals from people who could be experiencing mental health challenges, social isolation, financial hardship, housing difficulties and more.
It’s entirely person-centred in its approach, with Community Link Workers getting to know the person and their interests, referring them to support that will best suit their needs.
In 2023/24, the Community Link Worker service supported 851 people across Highland, with 1403 referrals, 2218 social prescriptions and 5006 appointments.
By providing one-to-one support, tailored interventions and strong community partnerships, the service empowers people to take charge of maintaining and enhancing their wellbeing, connect with local resources and build resilience.
Pamela Stott, Chief Officer of the Highland Health and Social Care Partnership, said:
“Community Link Workers have been hugely beneficial in NHS Highland, helping to signpost people to groups and activities in their local area – which can improve physical and mental wellbeing.
“By supporting people to stay well, active and healthy, Community Link Workers free up clinical time and help to build networks in communities that can improve even more lives.”
In addition to Best Wellbeing Service at the Mental Health and Wellbeing Awards Scotland, Change Mental Health was also presented with the silver runner-up award for Inspirational Charitable Organisation and Outstanding Impact in Education for its Young People’s Programmes.
These programmes are delivered nationally to young people aged 14-18 who are given education in resilience building and how to look after their own and other people’s mental health.
