Edinburgh CLW Service’s recent annual event reflected on their previous year’s achievements which saw 4,823 referrals to their service, the highest number of referrals to the service since its inception. As part of this year’s event, they showcased the results from their first ever Community Link Worker Practice Survey which was undertaken with the 45 practices in Edinburgh that have access to a community link worker. The survey was designed to capture feedback from practices around three main themes: the benefits that community link workers bring to the practices where they work, their integration into the practice team and suggestions for future service improvement and development.
The survey provides a valuable insight into the experiences and perspectives of practice teams working with community link workers. As important, it provides compelling evidence of the significant and positive impact that community link workers have had within the practices. Responses consistently refer to the service as an essential and valued addition which strengthens the multidisciplinary team, acknowledging that CLWs bring valuable knowledge of community resources that can help patients with complex non-medical issues.
Feedback within the survey highlighted the strengthened connections between primary care and the third sector, and the importance of funding to support the sector to continue its work. There was also a strong call for an increase in the number and coverage of CLWs across the city as well as secure funding to safeguard the future of the role. From the survey respondents:
- 79% strongly agreed that a CLW is an essential source of support for patients
- 81% of GPs strongly agreed or agreed that having a CLW reduces their workload
- 32% suggested there should be an increase in service capacity and a further 22% suggested that security and continuation of service should be improved.
A couple of quotes from GPs below illustrate the importance of CLWs to them:
Our Link worker is a fantastic resource who not only reduces the burden of work on medical practitioners in the immediate term through taking on cases, but also provides patients with a high level of care and support in managing social and holistic aspects of their health that are essential to their overall wellbeing (GP)
Our CLW really has helped patients in ways I would not have thought possible. She goes above and beyond to meet their individual needs and has improved lives immensely. It is an unbelievably valuable resource for us to provide truly holistic care. Her impact on quality of life and wellbeing for patients who have been really struggling is impressive (GP)
Moving forward, considerations for the service include reviewing the referral process, ensuring there is clear and regular communication between the CLW and the practice(s) in which they work, and promoting and raising awareness of community services.
In conclusion, the findings evidence that the community link worker service provides a much-needed resource that bridges the gap between third sector and primary care, supporting patients and practice teams.
Alison Leitch, Assistant Service Manager for the Edinburgh Community Link Worker Service commented:
The survey was an opportunity to gain feedback and thoughts from primary care colleagues on how the CLW service has grown and strengthened since its inception in 2017. We were delighted with the response rate, and the results are a testament to the hard work of the CLWs, senior CLWs, and employing organisations. It is incredibly encouraging to see the positive impact of the service recognised so strongly by practice teams across Edinburgh.
The survey also complements research and highlights similar themes and outcomes to a report that the National Academy for Social Prescribing shared in 2025 about Experiences and Perceptions of Social Prescribing Among General Practitioners in the UK.
For more information about the survey, please contact Alison Leitch, Assistant Service Manager for the Edinburgh Community Link Worker Service.
