Community Link Worker Service Delivers Measurable Impact Across Clackmannanshire and Stirling
The latest report from Clackmannanshire and Stirling CLW team provides powerful evidence of how early intervention, social prescribing and person-centred support are helping people across Clackmannanshire and Stirling live healthier, more connected lives. As the service continues to expand, the findings highlight not only improved wellbeing for local residents but also growing benefits for primary care services and wider communities.
Working within GP practices across Clackmannanshire and Stirling, Community Link Workers help people navigate challenges such as mental health difficulties, loneliness, financial pressures, housing issues, social isolation and long-term health conditions. By taking a person-centred approach, CLWs provide practical support, connect people to community resources and help individuals build confidence, resilience and independence.
This year saw continued growth for the service, including expansion into two new practices, Dollar Health Centre and Viewfield Health Centre, bringing the total number of supported GP practices to twelve. Alongside this expansion, the team strengthened relationships with community organisations, local authorities, NHS services and national partners.
The report highlights several key achievements. Wellbeing scores among people supported by Community Link Workers increased significantly, demonstrating improvements in confidence, resilience and self-management. Analysis also showed a substantial reduction in GP appointments among people who had engaged with the service, helping to reduce pressure on primary care and generating significant savings for the healthcare system.
A key factor behind these outcomes is the time Community Link Workers can spend with individuals. Longer appointments allow practitioners to explore complex issues, build trust and provide tailored support. This enables underlying concerns such as trauma, financial hardship or social isolation to be identified and addressed before they escalate.
The report also demonstrates the breadth of support available. Referrals connected people to mental health support, financial advice, housing services, family support, community groups, physical activity programmes and volunteering opportunities. Many individuals reported improved wellbeing, reduced anxiety, stronger social connections and greater confidence in managing everyday challenges.
Beyond direct support for individuals, the CLW team has also played an increasingly influential role nationally, sharing learning and best practice to support the development of social prescribing and health improvement approaches across Scotland.
Feedback from GP practices and healthcare professionals remains highly positive, highlighting the value of dedicated support for issues that cannot be resolved through medical intervention alone. Looking ahead, the report recommends further expansion of Community Link Worker provision to ensure more people can benefit from early intervention and community-based support.
As the evidence continues to grow, the Community Link Worker service is proving that addressing the social determinants of health can create meaningful, lasting change for individuals, communities and the wider health system.
Gemma Pritchard-Woollett, HSCP Integration Officer and Lead CLW for Clackmannanshire commented,
Over the past year, Community link Workers across Clackmannanshire and Stirling have continued to help people access the right support for their health and wellbeing, taking the time to listen, understand what matters to them and connect them with support in their communities. This year’s report shows the growing impact of that work, from improved wellbeing and reduced use of Primary Care to the individual stories behind the numbers. It also celebrates the partnerships between health, third sector and community organisations that make this support possible.
For more information about the report, please contact Gemma Pritchard-Woollett HSCP Integration officer and Lead CLW for Clackmannanshire.
