Emma Clewett

I have been involved with social prescribing schemes across The Wirral, North West England for over two years. I was employed as a social prescribing link worker at Citizens Advice Wirral and later by Moreton and Meols Primary Care Network. I developed connections with clients, as well as across local authority and third sector organisations to encourage a multidisciplinary approach to personalised care. I supported clients with a variety of concerns, from mental health support and housing issues, to knitting groups and community projects.

Prior to this, I undertook various volunteering roles including befriending, assisting at Durham Foodbank, teaching English as a second language and youth work. These experiences have supported my passion for community engagement work, as well as for participating in academic research that when applied, can have an impact on the lives of individuals and their communities.

My academic experience is in the field of sociology and community psychology. I have been heavily inspired by Geoffrey Nelson and Isaac Prilleltensky whose theoretical framework and research focuses on values of inclusivity, social justice and improvement of health and well-being. During this MA qualification, I undertook a social inclusion project with a singing group in Brighton, and reports focusing on community approaches to post-natal depression and supporting older adults experiencing high levels of anxiety and depression. This academic and value-driven lens is integral to my role at the Institute for Connected Communities and the Common Health Assets projects which aims to analyse the impact of community organisations on health and wellbeing.