SOCIAL workers are set to team up with GP surgeries across mid Essex.

The region's clinical commissioning group is introducing social prescribers to help patients struggling with non-medical matters such as loneliness, anxiety, unemployment and bereavement.

Those working with a social describer will be encouraged to take control of their health and will be given individual advice and solutions to problems.

It is hoped the new scheme will benefit patients' mental health, as well as reduce workload for healthcare professionals.

The Mid Essex CCG's chairman Dr Anna Davey said: "The role isn’t just about sign posting people to services it is about ensuring people get the right support from relevant community resources.

"Through personalised support, social prescribing link workers can help people who don’t necessarily require clinical treatment, by referring them to community groups and voluntary organisations running a range of activities from benefits advice, singing and cooking classes, to sports activities, gardening and housing help.

"This will help ease pressure on GPs to make more time available for patients with more complex health needs."