Wrexham County Borough Council has reaffirmed our commitment to supporting residents’ health and wellbeing, with a new, enhanced Social Prescribing service being introduced across the county borough, developed in partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).
The development comes as part of wider national changes to Welsh Government funding arrangements. The current Regional Integration Fund (RIF) programme – which has fully funded the Community Agent scheme since its inception – ends in March 2027. Importantly, the Social Prescribing service meets new funding criteria and ensures we continue to offer a community-based support service.
A commissioning exercise is currently underway to identify a new Social Prescribing service provider from August 1.
Building on success and learning
The Community Agent scheme has played a valuable role in helping residents access local support over many years, and we have worked closely with partners to ensure its strengths are carried forward into the future.
However, national policy direction is becoming more focused on Social Prescribing as a sustainable model of community-based support.
Working in close partnership with BCUHB, including joint funding to secure a more sustainable model, we have co-designed a new Social Prescribing service that will:
- Provide a single, whole-Wrexham service that is accessible to all communities and is focussed on prevention and reducing inequalities in health and wellbeing in Wrexham
- Offer more targeted, personalised support, focused on prevention and improving the wellbeing outcomes that are most important to the individual
- Widen access, supporting people aged 25 and over
- Deliver stronger integration between health, social care and community services
- Ensure greater consistency, reducing variation in access across different areas
No gap in support for residents
With the new service commencing from August 1, we have ensured there will be continuity of support for our residents. Some Community Agent services will continue under their existing arrangements until March 2027, allowing for a phased and well-managed transition.
Residents will continue to receive support to improve their wellbeing, maintain independence, and connect with local services.
Working with communities and councillors
Councillors will play a key role as referral partners in the new service, alongside health professionals and community organisations, helping ensure residents are connected to the right support at the right time. A member workshop will take place in September to provide further detail.
Community Councils that currently employ their own Community Agents will be able to consider their future arrangements locally, but all communities across Wrexham will benefit from access to the new Social Prescribing service.
Looking ahead
We’re currently working with BCUHB to develop a coordinated communications plan to ensure residents, partners and stakeholders will know how to access the new service.
The strengthening of Social Prescribing in Wrexham represents a positive step forward — building on the strengths of the Community Agent scheme while delivering a more consistent, resilient model of support for the future.
Cllr Beverley Parry-Jones, Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said: “We recognise the deeply important contribution Community Agents have made to support our communities over many years. Working in partnership with BCUHB, the new Social Prescribing service builds on that brilliant work, and creates a more joined-up, sustainable approach that will benefit residents across Wrexham.
“By aligning with national policy and working closely with our health partners, we are ensuring that people can continue to receive high-quality, community-based support that helps them stay well, connected, and independent.”
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