Context: Newcastle GP Services approached HDRC Newcastle to support a pilot using social prescribers in community settings. The aim was to help more people take part in research, improve NHS App access and connect residents with wider support services. The work focused on reaching people most affected by health inequalities.
Action: HDRC Newcastle linked the project with Newcastle’s Wellbeing Hubs - which are funded and supported by Newcastle City Council’s Public Health team - and supported delivery through funded staff time. Together, partners delivered 38 outreach sessions across community venues and GP practices, making support easier to access in places people already know and trust.
Result: The project engaged 136 residents, helped 88 people gain access to the NHS App and supported 21 people to register for research opportunities. The pilot showed that bringing support into community settings can make healthcare and research more accessible, particularly for people who may face barriers to taking part. Its success highlights the potential to reach more underserved communities, strengthen connections to local services and create more opportunities for residents to influence and benefit from research. The approach has also been submitted as evidence to the national Mental Health Strategy call for evidence.