About The Rainbow Foundation

The Rainbow Foundation is an active ageing charity which has successfully worked to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities since 1994.  In 2023 we were announced the overall winners of the GSK IMPACT Awards in partnership with the King’s Fund, which nationally recognises our outstanding work in health and social care.

All our services put the needs of our clients and staff at the forefront of what we do.  As a charity we are driven by excellence over profits.

About Social Prescribing

Social isolation and loneliness are a major public health issue, associated with higher risks of mortality and morbidity. They are linked to hypertension, depression, dementia, disability and control of weight, drinking and smoking. These effects are particularly pronounced in mental health. People with more social contacts and higher quality relationships, tend to report better mental health than those without, especially if they are also in work.

Increasing demand on the health care health system is putting the traditional model of care under increasing pressure with the need for service providers to embrace change if it is to be transformational.  It is well known that within primary care around 30% of all consultations and 50% of consecutive attendances concern some form of psychological and social problem. The health and wellbeing needs of patients cannot be met by a clinical intervention alone.

Therefore, we are delivering a social prescribing scheme across Wrexham linking with all GP practices and Community Agents (who deliver outreach support to the over 50’s across Wrexham).

Social Prescribing is a means of enabling GPs, nurses and other primary care professionals to refer people to non-clinical support. Recognising that people’s health is determined primarily by a range of social, economic and environmental factors. Social Prescribing seeks to address people’s needs in a holistic way. It aims to support individuals to take greater control of their own health and help them to move from a state of dependence to one of independence. 

We monitor the impact of our interventions and provide proactive engagement and feedback to GP practices across Wrexham. 

Purpose of the Job

• To receive referrals from GPs and Health Professionals at the GP surgeries
• Support individuals to explore what matters to them and help them address issues that may be impacting on their health and wellbeing.
• Support the individual to make positive changes to their lives.
• Follow up appointments to support the individual to make positive changes and outreach as required.
• Refer appropriate individuals to our community agents so assist in practical solutions – advice, support, adaptations, independent living skills and social interactions.
• Provide high quality information and support and promote healthy living via access to a wide range of services.
• Develop social networks and local activities that support health and wellbeing which can be sustained by the community in the longer-term.
• Develop effective working relationships with all partners, stakeholders and local organisations.

Responsibilities and tasks

• Engage face to face with service users to identify needs and appropriate interventions
• Work in both a reactive and proactive way to support older and vulnerable people within that community.
• Help people help themselves, or one another, through initiatives that facilitate community capacity, social inclusion, strengthened community networks and sustainable caring roles
• Establish support groups which promote better health and wellbeing.
• Help people maintain or regain independence through – living skills, adaptations and enablement approaches – Simple safeguards and new technologies – Advice, information and advocacy regarding appropriate housing and support.
• Engage with the service user in a friendly, courteous, prompt and appropriate manner, using excellent communication skills and ensuring delivery of high-quality customer service at all times.
• To be aware of the particular needs of the client group including those unable to access services directly and to refer these clients onto other services effectively.
• Access and accurately maintain electronic/hard copy client records, calls and referrals ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act,
• Use IT equipment appropriately and effectively.
• Effectively promote of the ‘Community Wellbeing Service’
• Maintain a database of clients to assist with the monitoring of outcomes of the service
• Adhere to all health and safety requirements both in the home and in the communities taking reasonable care not to do anything that may endanger yourself or others.
• Supporting the evaluation process including preparing monthly reports on service statistics including case studies and examples of interventions.

Other duties

• Carries out additional tasks that may be required from time to time to achieve agreed service outcomes
• Undertakes continuous professional development and training, constructively participating in meetings, supervision and other events designed to improve communication and assist with personal skills development within the role.
• Ensures that duties are undertaken with due regard and compliance with the Data Protection Act and other legislation.
• Maintains confidentially of all information and records relating to the work of The Rainbow Centre and work undertaken for monitoring and evaluation purposes.