'Getting financial help through my GP has improved my health'

"getty GP surgeries in south London are giving financial advice to help patients manage debt and handle benefits claims - and the results are striking. In the 34 practices running the Back on Track scheme in Lambeth and Southwark, one in three patients visited their GP less often after receiving advice, and more than 1,100 people have secured benefits, cleared debts or seen reduced stress levels."

"When the doctors' surgery told me about Back on Track it was such a relief. The complex PIP (Personal Independence Payment) and UC claims forms were very stressful I really wouldn't have managed financially without my link worker's support. I'm so happy now, I referred a couple of friends in similar situations. I still see my GP occasionally, but hardly anything compared to before."

"The Financial Shield, led by a foundation called Impact on Urban Health, is behind this project, which aims to free up time for GPs and demonstrate how tackling patients' financial stress can improve their health. Impact on Urban Health said that more than half of the participants had reported improvements in their health after receiving tailored support, such as help to secure benefits, obtain debt write-offs or negotiate with creditors."

GP surgeries in Lambeth and Southwark run a Back on Track scheme offering financial advice and support to patients with debt and benefits claims. In 34 participating practices, one in three patients reduced GP visits after receiving advice, and over 1,100 people secured benefits, cleared debts, or experienced reduced stress. The programme provides link workers who help appeal Universal Credit decisions, apply for disability benefits, and negotiate repayment plans for energy and water debts. More than half of participants reported health improvements after tailored support. The initiative is led by The Financial Shield and Impact on Urban Health to free GP time and address financial stress as a health determinant.

Read at www.bbc.com