In October, we were fortunate to welcome Tony Channing to our Stirling meeting to tell us about the role of a Community Link Worker (CLW) in the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Community Link Worker Project.

The main aim of this project is to provide a person-centred and human-rights based approach. It uses social prescribing, an important self-management tool, which enables people to continue to live in their community, independently, safely and well. It widens choice and control through signposting to third sector organisations and statutory agencies. The Community Link Workers (CLWs) promote the understanding of and access to self-directed support. It has been recognised that CLWs are more than social prescribers; providing one-to-one support to enable people to gain confidence to access local activities.

The success of this project was recognised in May 2025 when they were selected as the winning team of the Scottish Community Link Worker Network Awards.

The Clackmannanshire and Stirling CLWs work within GP practices in areas of high deprivation where there are health challenges. The areas were identified jointly with NHS Forth Valley.

The CLW’s role is non-judgmental and they spend time with people, building relationships and understanding their needs. They address a wide range of non-medical issues including: 

• Loneliness and isolation 

• Housing 

• Mental health and well-being 

• Money worries

The GP practices which can provide access to a CLW are:

Stirling:

• Orchard House

• Fallin, Cowie and Airth

• Viewfield (later in 2025)

Clackmannanshire:

• Whins

• Ochil

• Clackmannan

• Alva and Tullibody

• Tillicoultry 

There are also CLWs in the Falkirk area. They are attached to the following GP practices:

• Graeme Medical Centre

• Carron Medical Centre

• Alba Medical Group (Known as Kersiebank Medical)

• Bo’ness Road Medical

If you wish to find out more about the CLWs, this link will take you to their latest project report: Community Link Worker Project Report 202425.pdf

Best wishes

Paul
Paul Rimmer
Trustee and Secretary