Social Prescribing and Health Coaching

We understand that good health is about more than just medicine—it is influenced by your lifestyle, your surroundings, and how connected you feel to your community.  So, Orchid House Surgery is proud to offer a dedicated Social Prescribing and Health Coaching service to all our patients. 

Social Prescribers and the Health Coach from the Wimborne and Ferndown Primary Care Network (PCN) work alongside us to provide extra time, a listening ear, and practical support to help you live a healthier, happier life. Whether you want to manage a long-term condition more effectively or find support for life’s practical challenges, we are here to help you find the right path forward.

Social Prescribing: Support Beyond Medicine

Many things affect your health and well-being. You might visit us feeling stressed, isolated, or lonely, or you may be managing a long-term health condition and simply need some extra support.

That is where our Social Prescribers, Chris and Claire, can help. They will spend time getting to know you and find non-medical ways to improve your health, well-being, and independence.  They can connect you to services and groups that can help with:

• Feeling lonely or isolated: Connecting you with local social groups and befriending services.
• Your emotional wellbeing: Finding support for stress, anxiety, or life changes.
• Practical problems: Helping you find advice on housing, benefits, or financial issues.
• Healthy changes: Support with exercise, eating well, or managing a long-term condition.
• New opportunities: Finding local volunteering, training, or employment paths.

Who is this service for?

The service is free and available to anyone aged 13 and over. Whether you need help with a specific problem or want to feel more connected to your community, we are here to support you.

How do I book an appointment?

If you feel you would benefit from a chat with Chris or Claire, you don’t necessarily need to see a doctor first.

• Speak to us: Ask your GP, nurse, or any member of our reception team for a referral.
• We’ll do the rest: Once a referral is made, a Social Prescriber will contact you to arrange a convenient time to talk.

Health Coaching

Health coaching helps you take a proactive role in your own health. It is a supportive, non-judgemental service for anyone aged 18 or over who wants to make positive lifestyle changes.

Download our Health Coaching Leaflet (PDF)

How a Health Coach can help

Unlike a traditional doctor’s appointment, a health coach won’t tell you what to do. Instead, they work with you to find your own solutions. They can support you with:

• Managing health conditions: Including high blood pressure, diabetes (or pre-diabetes), and heart disease.
• Physical wellbeing: Support with weight loss, menopause, sleep problems, pain, or fatigue.
• Healthy habits: Helping you move more, stop smoking, or cut down on alcohol.
• Mental and social health: Supporting you with anxiety, low mood, or loneliness.
• Surgery support: Getting your body ready for surgery or helping you recover afterwards.

What to expect from your sessions

You will be offered up to six sessions, each lasting about 40 minutes. You can choose to have these in person at the surgery or over the phone.

• Your first session: You will talk about what is happening in your life and identify the areas you would like to change.
• Follow-up sessions: You will start to make small, manageable changes. If things don’t go to plan, your coach will help you understand why and find new ways forward.
• The approach: Our coaches are empowering and non-judgmental. They provide you with the tools to manage your health over the long term.

Benefits reported by our patients

Patients who have completed health coaching often report:

• Weight loss and lower cholesterol levels.
• Better management of long-term health conditions.
• Increased confidence and motivation.
• Improved sleep and overall quality of life.

How to book

To start your journey, please get in touch with the surgery and request a referral to our Health Coach, Xanthe Grace.

Xanthe will call you to explain the service in more detail, answer any questions, and book your first session.