My name is Barry Hancox. I am a Social Prescriber working in The Vale of Evesham.
I worked as a Well-being Coach for seven years at Onside Advocacy and the NHS within a surgery in Worcester City. I decided to retire two years ago but deeply missed my role and began volunteering for Onside Advocacy at group coffee meet ups in Evesham and make home visits to those experiencing loneliness.
I was then offered a role as a Social Prescriber Link Worker with Onside in the Vale of Evesham.
The role includes home visits, office appointments and telephone calls with clients. Face to face meetings are highly beneficial to understand the issues clients are experiencing. Many of these issues involve finance, housing, social isolation, relationship issues and Bulgarian settlement amongst a number of other challenges. Of course, this was different from my Well-being Coaching, however a majority of clients have mental health problems as a result of these social issues and it is vital to understand how to relate to the crossover.
Barry Hancox, Social Prescriber
Recently, I worked with a client referred to social prescribing by her GP, who has been receiving social prescribing support for several months following significant physical and emotional challenges arising from treatment for a serious health condition.
I began working with this client at the beginning of this year and continue to see her on occasion. When I first began working with her, she was very distressed as a result of a breast cancer diagnosis, financial insecurity, social isolation, a language barrier and lack of access to her family who are all in Bulgaria. During our meetings, we had an online translation service and sometimes the physical attendance of a translator. She was very emotional at times and as is so often the case, but found the opportunity to talk about her situation incredibly important and useful.
When our sessions began, the client described feeling overwhelmed by loss, uncertainty, social isolation and low mood. Living in the UK without close family support and facing financial difficulties, the client often struggled to cope with the emotional impact of ongoing health problems and the demands of everyday life. Work-related pressures further affected confidence and wellbeing."
My support included referring her into basic English classes and introducing her to fellow Bulgarians. She also expressed an interest in art, so I recommended a local art group. Overtime her mood improved and she became far more positive. I assisted her with getting Personal Independence Payment and supported her with employment challenges.
Throughout the social prescribing process, the client demonstrated remarkable determination to improve quality of life. Positive steps included developing English language skills, engaging with local community activities and attending the local art group, where creativity became an important source of expression and connection. Her life improvements have been significant, and she still wishes to come for occasional appointments."
It was a few weeks ago now that she called in with the picture, which my colleagues thought was amazing! She has brought biscuits in as well! The artwork depicts two contrasting experiences. The dark side, characterised by fractured lines and storm-like imagery, represents emotional turmoil, fear, uncertainty and the challenges faced during some of the most difficult periods of recovery. In contrast, the bright side reflects hope, growth, strength and renewed purpose. The vibrant colours symbolise increased confidence, improved emotional wellbeing and a greater sense of connection with life and others.
At the centre stands a figure representing the support that helped bridge these two experiences. The accompanying words express gratitude for the advocacy, stability and safe therapeutic space that enabled the client to navigate emotional chaos and recognise personal strengths."
While challenges remain, this artwork is a testament to resilience, courage and the capacity for recovery. It illustrates not only the impact of compassionate support, but also the client's own commitment to creating positive change despite significant adversity.
