Young Person's Social Prescription

Life Hacks is a Young Person's Social Prescription service led by Active Luton to improve social, emotional, or physical health and wellbeing.

Young people may be eligible to receive support from Life Hacks if they are aged 5-19 years old and experiencing difficulties based around the following referral criteria:

• Low mood
• Anxiety
• Unhealthy / risky behaviours 
• Low self esteem
• Identity issues
• Loneliness / social isolation
• Has Diabetes, Epilepsy, Asthma or needs some Oral Health advice

Additional ‘risk indicators’ for referrers to consider:

• Young person on the edge of care
• Child on Child Protection Plan
• Mental health needs below specialist CAMHS thresholds
• Weight Management
• Young Carers
• Exposure to domestic abuse
• Exposure to substance misuse
• Exposure to mental health issues at home
• Low level Emotionally Based School Avoidance  
• Looked After Children 
• SEND Support / EHCP 
• In receipt of Pupil Premium / free school meals
• CYP at risk of exclusion 

Young people may be accepted for support if they have one or more of the above ‘risk indicators’ present and / or are experiencing one of the emotional, social, or physical difficulties criteria.  Eligibility is assessed at the first point of contact by a link worker – completing a referral form does not guarantee acceptance onto the Life Hacks programme.

Each child or young person referred to Life Hacks will have their own dedicated Community Link Worker who will provide support and coordinate access to different activities in the community, for example physical activity, social or support groups, creative groups, education or training opportunities or advice from specialist services. 

In March 2021, Life Hacks was the winner of the Social Prescribing Network and College of Medicine Awards for the Best Children and Young People Social Prescribing Project. 

Referrals

We accept referrals of young people aged 11-19 who attend the GP practices linked to the Titan, Hatters, Crown and Caritas PCNs across Luton, Bedford, Central Beds and Milton Keynes. These are:

• Houghton Regis Medical Centre
• Toddington Medical Centre
• Wheatfield Surgery
• Bute House Surgery
• Dr Mirza & Partners
• Leagrave Surgery
• Lister House Surgery
• Oakley Surgery
• Sundon Medical Centre
• Cobbs Garden
• Red House Surgery
• Whaddon Medical Practice
• Ashburnham Road Surgery
• King Street Surgery
• Queens Park Group Surgery (Queens Park / Riverfield)
• Shortstown Medical Centre
• The Village Medical Centre
• Wooton Vale Healthy Living Centre

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We accept referrals (please use this referral form) from any professional working in the GP practices (eg GP, care coordinator, practice nurse, etc).

GPs from these surgeries can also refer via S1.

CAMHs, PCAS and YPS professionals for all BLMK areas can also refer via our NHS email.

Contact/referrals: active.luton@nhs.net (mention ‘Life Hacks’).

Case Study

Imran* was referred to Life Hacks by a Family Support Worker. Imran had struggled during lockdown and felt socially isolated and emotionally low. Following a consultation with their Link Worker, a boxing club was identified as an idea for forming new friendships at the same time as getting physically healthier which has been shown to help improve emotional wellbeing. Two free introductory sessions were used as a trial and then Imran was given a fully funded two-month membership to help establish the habit. Imran is now enjoying boxing several times a week and has become an established part of the club.

*Not the client's real name.