We recently began a project with DWP to offer additional support to patients in north Southwark. Our GP practices are now able to refer patients to one of two DWP advisors, who offer a range of advice and support, including the following:
- benefit entitlement
- benefit claims
- training opportunities
- CV development
- employment skills
- work experience
- volunteering
- empowering users to support themselves through motivational discussions.
We are already seeing great outcomes for our patients in the first couple of weeks of this project!
A patient story
One of our local patients was referred by their GP practice to a DWP advisor. The patient informed the GP practice that their employer had sent their earnings late to HMRC . This then impacted on the patients childcare costs resulting in financial hardship and stress. The GP practice supported the patient with a fit note for work related stress and referred them to the Patient Advice Service to meet with a DWP advisor.
The DWP advisor provided the following support:
- made contact with the patients work coach
- supported the patient with contacting Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and ACAS for employment advice for additional support
- Explored child care options
The DWP advisor is continuing to offer support based on the patients personal circumstance.
