'Advice on Prescription' service receives High Sheriff Award

The current High Sheriff of Merseyside Dr R M Hussey CB OBE DL has recognised Citizens Advice Liverpool's 'Advice on Prescription' programme as part of the High Sheriff of Merseyside Awards for 2023/24.

The High Sheriff's modern-day role heavily involves supporting voluntary services and community organisations such as Citizens Advice Liverpool.

During the past year, our Garston office received a visit from Dr Ruth Hussey CB OBE DL to see how we run our 'Advice on Prescription' programme.  This Liverpool NHS-commissioned service provides front-line health staff with access to social welfare and wellbeing support for patients who struggle with the burdens of low income and ill health.  

Dr R Hussey CBOBE DL, High Sheriff of Merseyside,visiting Citizens Advice Liverpool's Health Team in July 2023

In 2023, the programme processed over 15,000 referrals from front-line health staff and key community partners.  The service targets those living in disadvantaged circumstances, specifically those who are living with multiple health problems and/or in low-income households.  Once referred, patients are supported with advice, information and support regarding welfare benefits, food and fuel services, debt management support, housing and immigration problems, and those with priority health conditions also receive extensive well-being support.   

Debbie Nolan, Head of Health Services at Citizens Advice Liverpool said: "It is a great moment for our team to be recognised by the High Sheriff Dr Ruth Hussey. The demand for our service is high and the hard work of the full staff team of advisers and link workers, supervisors and my colleagues in management can often be taken for granted; during the past few years of unprecedented demand, there has been little time to celebrate our impact. I am proud to accept this award on behalf of the Health Programme and want to extend my thanks to all of our team as they are the real changemakers in the community".  

Pictured left to right: Maria Vacarello, Advice on Prescription Coordinator, Debbie Nolan, Head of Health Services, Sandra Doyle, Coordinator of Advice on Prescription and Wellbeing Services.

You can keep up with the activities of the High Sheriff of Merseyside on Twitter/X here: @HS_Merseyside.

Find out more about our Health Programme here or follow us on Twitter/X to stay up to date with service information, community events, and access to online advice 24/7.