article submitted by West Suffolk Council
A health and wellbeing initiative which is achieving better outcomes for people with anxiety, loneliness and other needs, has now be introduced across West Suffolk.
The LifeLink social prescribing project was initially piloted in Haverhill in 2017 following a bid by St Edmundsbury Borough Council (now West Suffolk Council) for Government funds. In Haverhill the scheme has already supported more than 350 people, connecting them to local community groups and social activities – and leading to a reduction in their GP visits as a result.
LifeLink will now be extended in and around Brandon, Bury St Edmunds Town, Bury St Edmunds Rural, Haverhill, Mildenhall, Newmarket, Sudbury Town and Sudbury Rural thanks to the funding from West Suffolk Council, Primary Care Networks and the NHS West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group.
A team of 10 LifeLink coordinators employed at West Suffolk Council will work across individual areas to support participants on a one-to-one basis, connecting them to social activities, clubs, groups and local services and working together to find each person’s ways to improve their wellbeing and meet their needs.
Benefits include meeting new people and developing friendships, feeling healthier and fitter, learning new skills and developing opportunities for volunteering and employment. Anyone aged 16 or over can self-refer or ask a professional or supporter to refer them.
The LifeLink Co-ordinator for Bury St Edmunds is Michelle Zinn, providing a service for people registered at Glemsford, Guildhall – Clare, Long Melford, Lavenham and Wickhambrook surgeries.
LifeLink Co-ordinator, Michelle Zinn said: “I am excited to explore the opportunities Sudbury Rural, offers to help bring smaller communities together, as well as combating isolation and loneliness. I look forward to working closely with the local GP’s and offering a holistic approach to improving individuals’ wellbeing.”
Cabinet Member for Families and Communities at West Suffolk Council, Cllr Robert Everitt, said: “LifeLink has been a life changer for some of the people that have used the service. It has given people more confidence, lifted their sense of wellbeing, reduced their feelings of loneliness and isolation and made them feel more a part of their community.”
Lois Wreathall, Deputy Director of Primary Care, NHS West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “It is great to have a complete network of social prescribers in West Suffolk providing an effective way of supporting people to live happy and healthy lives.
For queries and verbal referrals call Michelle on 07976 798777
Queries, referrals and referral forms to be sent to
To find out more about LifeLink and your local scheme, visit
Website: www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/community/lifelink