A new series of films is looking to spotlight the integral role of community link workers in addressing health inequalities by connecting people visiting their GPs with resources and services in their community.

The films by Voluntary Health Scotland (VHS) and the Scottish Community Link Worker Network gather insights from Scotland’s community link workers (CLWs), GPs and the patients they help in short videos.

Scottish Community Link Worker Network Project Manager, Roisin Hurst says the work highlights that CLWs are not just a “nice to have”:

“I am so pleased to be able to announce the launch of these films from The Scottish Community Link Worker Network and Voluntary Health Scotland which showcase the vital contribution that Community Link Workers and social prescribing make to primary care and local communities across Scotland.

“We all know that CLWs are key to tackling health inequalities in Scotland – they are not a ‘nice to have’, they are essential. We are delighted that these films provide an opportunity for everyone to learn how vital CLWs are to the health of our nation’.”

The link worker support spans from housing and welfare support to mental health and social care signposting – and GPs told the filmmakers that the long-term impact of CLWs can be “transformative”.

Dr Peter Cairns, a Wester Hailes GP said clinicians understand the community impact on wellbeing and that social factors must be addressed for medical interventions to be most effective:

“We have been trying to improve outcomes for some of the most vulnerable members of our communities in Scotland for decades, without great success, and link working is a great ray of light in making sense of that.

“So a link worker is worth their weight in gold because they can work with a patient to link them to that thing that needs to happen – whether its housing issues or joining a local walking group. With a link worker involved, that change is much more likely to happen.”

Renfrew GP Dr Elizabeth Marshallsay added:

“Link workers make a huge difference to people, particularly in health inequalities.

“You hear it banded around that poverty kills – well, it does. This group of specialists that work to try and reduce that impact.”

She added that it’s important to amplify primary care and patient voices at a government level to ensure the link workers receive the funding they need.

Beyond showcasing the role of Scotland’s CLWs, the series seeks to celebrate the ‘vital’ contribution they make which has been welcomed by the government.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray said the videos provide “powerful” first-hand stories:

“I’m delighted that the Scottish Community Link Worker Network is launching these three videos that share powerful first-hand accounts of the positive impacts that Community Link Workers have on the individuals that they support and within the general practice teams that they are part of.”

Time to listen

One patient, Gareth, said the community link system has helped “lightened the load” and given him confidence to manage his wellbeing by looking at the big picture and prioritising his issues:

“I’m able to see my problems now and take them on. You’ve helped me to get the washing machine sorted, the bus pass, everything like that. And an extra ear, having somebody to listen to you – that’s fantastic.

“The community link system, they’ve given me back a big part of my life.”

Other patients spoke about feeling their mental health and confidence bolstered when it comes to engaging in local groups and social activities and described “working with” their CLW.

Neil spoke about the consequences his diagnosis had on his work, personal life and mental health and shared the difference it made to be listened to by his CLW:

“Being diagnosed with a tumour, being off work, not providing for my family – my mental health wasn’t great.

“Liam [CLW] was absolutely brilliant. It’s non-judgmental, he’s a human being just sitting listening to what’s going on and piecing together what he can do. He’s an integral part of my journey in getting better and back to work.”

Uplifting the NHS

GPs explained that amidst the difficult landscape of primary care and the NHS in recent years, CLWs have emerged as a “really positive intervention” for staff and patients alike.

Renfrew’s Dr Marshallsay and practice manager, Lynn Graham told the filmmakers that CLWs are an “integral part” of the GP team, adding that every practice should have them.

Meanwhile, Dundee GP Dr Munro Stewart says in one film that link workers’ expertise is invaluable and helps reach those people who may otherwise become lost to the system:

“You often see people falling through the cracks and it’s the most vulnerable people who are most likely to benefit the greatest from these link workers.

“It’s very clear how much of a help they are to our patients, how they can protect the NHS too and the resources we have.

“What we really need to see is long-term funding commitments so that link workers can get the stability they need to provide the best service, and the practice and health service can plan around patients getting that help.”

Watch Now:

The Power of Community Link Workers: hear from 3 CLWs about their role and what it means to them

Community Link Workers-Patient Stories: hear from patients who have directly benefited from the service

GP interviews-Community Link Workers’ role in primary care: hear GPs talk about their experience of working with CLWs and their role in primary care

Overview of Social Prescribing and the SCLWN: learn more about the current context for social prescribing in Scotland and the role of the SCLWN

Read more: Glasgow link workers protected for three years; Link workers outlook: sustainability top of agenda; Inside Scotland's widening health inequalities; Working together for climate action and good health; Can Scotland make health fairer?