GPs in London to prescribe financial advice

A new pilot scheme in London will see GPs prescribe financial advice sessions for patients as part of plans to help people with long-term health conditions.

Doctors working within the London boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark will send patients to see financial support link workers through the scheme, who will help them claim benefits, obtain grants for essential items and deal with debts.

Impact on Urban Health and the Centre for Responsible Credit, the organisations behind the scheme, said that there was a ‘reciprocal relationship’ between financial health and multiple long-term health conditions, and that those who shaped healthcare policy should take a ‘much wider’ view of public health.

Called Financial Shield, the scheme will be tested with 2,000 people in Lambeth and Southwark until September 2022. The pilot will include a cost-benefit analysis to measure outcomes and an independent review to encourage a national rollout.

Kieron Boyle, the chief executive of Impact on Urban Health, said: “People’s finances and health are connected: debt, money worries and financial insecurity can have a profound effect on our physical and mental health. This is especially the case in ‘cliff edge’ moments such as unexpected bills or delays in income.

“As a result, we’re proud to support the UK’s first model of social prescribing that includes debt advice, bringing together local authorities, housing associations and healthcare providers. We think this approach could spread to cities across the country.”

Sangeeta Leahy, the director of public health for Southwark council, said: “We know that financial problems have a negative impact on people’s health and that someone’s health can affect their financial situation, so the breathing space and other support that Financial Shield provides will be so welcomed and could make all the difference to people’s situation, stress levels and in turn their health and well-being.”