Live Well Wakefield service performing well

Less than a year on from its launch, a social prescribing service delivered by Nova Wakefield District and the Trust, is beating targets and improving lives.

Live Well Wakefield is funded by Wakefield Council and began on April 2017. Nova is the lead partner and works collaboratively with the Trust to deliver this innovative service which aims to improve the wider health and wellbeing of Wakefield residents by promoting independence and self-management. The service helps adults who are in need of information, advice and support in coping with everyday life. Key areas of work include supporting people to cope with long-term conditions, and referring people with social, emotional or practical needs to a range of local services, often provided by the voluntary and community sector. Staff operate throughout the communities of Wakefield and deliver the service wherever the service user would find beneficial, for example in community centres or at home. The teamwork with other health and social care providers and community organisations to help residents improve and manage their own health and wellbeing.

From the start of the contract until 31 December, the service has over-achieved on all performance measures set by the commissioners. The service has beaten its target for clients reporting improvement in their primary goal by 34%, for volunteers recruited by 24%, for referrals by 11% and for self-management sessions delivered by 10%.

Rebecca Bibbs, Live Well Wakefield manager, said: “We worked with Nova to develop this service and its great news for that residents in Wakefield are benefiting from this partnership.”

Ian Cockerill, Nova CEO, said: “We’re delighted with the success of this project and will keep on working hard to improve the health and wellbeing of local people.”

For more information on the Live Well Wakefield service, please visit www.livewellwakefield.nhs.uk or call 01924 255363 to speak to a member of the team.