Social Prescriber

Michelle Zinn

My name is Michelle, I am a Newmarket Social Prescriber, based at Orchard House Surgery.  I have a background in supporting people in their mental health recovery. I enjoy Social Prescribing as I get the chance to speak to people about their life and needs holistically, with a focus on what is most important to them and what they feel will support their wellbeing. I have an interest in supporting individuals or families who are neuro-diverse – linking them with local provisions/peer support. I also have an interest in accessing outdoor space for wellbeing.

Primarily surgery: Orchard House Surgery

Social Prescriber

Lesley Ellis

Hi, my name is Lesley Ellis, I’m the Forest Heath PCN Social Prescriber for Forest Surgery.  I started working for the NHS during Covid 19 as an administrator and then was trained as a Vaccinator. In Sept 2021 I started working at Forest Surgery as a Care Coordinator. In May of 2022 I found out about the Social Prescriber role and that really interested me, to build on my experience and help patients to connect to local communities for social, practical or emotional needs. I have always loved community based work and supporting people to live their best life. I have a growing interest and skill set in supporting people with low level mental health and dementia.  I love spending time with family, friends and going on walks with my miniature labradoodle Bella.

Primary surgery: Forest Surgery

Patient testimonial: “I’ve suffered with mental health issues and anxiety issues and having Lesley as my social prescriber, I found the help and support that I desperately needed. I am truly grateful to be where I am now and I have come so far, thank you to Lesley Ellis for helping me get to where I am now.”

Social Prescriber

Eileen Lewis

Hi, my name is Eileen Lewis-Povey,  having previously worked for 28 years in supported housing for the mental health sector, I now deliver Social Prescribing for the Forest Heath PCN since October 2022. My role is to support individuals with their health and wellbeing journeys connecting them with non-medical resources and community activities.  My specific areas of interest is housing, I am a mental health first aider and a Domestic abuse champion.  I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and focusing on my own health and well-being. Reading and enjoying good food.

Primary surgery: Rookery Medical Centre

Patient testimonial: “I believe that the service helped me in my recovery process during my period of stress through the use of relaxation techniques and stress control and management. Even more importantly, I greatly appreciated the wonderful work of listening provided by my Social Prescriber, Eileen Lewis.”

Social Prescriber

Justine Mcguire

My name is Justine. I joined Forest Heath Primary Care Trust in November 2022 as a social prescriber. I enjoy meeting people from all walks of life and backgrounds and Newmarket offers me this. Within my role I have met some very interesting and inspiring people. As social prescribers we work with people who have differing needs and this makes the role very varied and keeps me on my toes as to what services, support and organisations are available in the local community. I get great satisfaction in being able to support people by passing on information and knowledge which can empower them make more informed choices and decisions.  Even though I don’t have ‘a magic wand’ patients report having someone listen and understand can be very valuable. Currently, I offer support to patients at Oakfield Surgery. The team at Oakfield are a great bunch of people and am lucky to have such a friendly, supportive team. 

Previous to this role I had been working in the NHS for over 20 years in a number of community mental health teams in Essex. In 2022 I moved to Suffolk which prompted me to change careers. I love living in this part of the country and enjoy walking, eating out, reading, art and crafts.

Primarily supports: Oakfield Surgery

Social Prescriber

Danielle Bickers

Hi, my name is Danielle Bickers and have been part of the PCN Social Prescribing team since February 2024. 

I have always worked within the NHS, starting out as a receptionist in a GP surgery to then progressing to become a Phlebotomist and then a Health Care Assistant. I then decided I would like to join a role where I had more time to support patients and would be able to build more rapport with them. Helping people gives me huge satisfaction in life which is why being a Social Prescriber is perfect for me. I thrive off knowing I have been an integral part of a person’s positive change. 

In my spare time, I love nothing more than spending time with my family and friends, going for long walks or going out for dinner.  

Primarily supports: Lakenheath Surgery and Reynard Surgery 

Patient testimonial: “Danielle is the most caring, compassionate person whom I was lucky enough to come into contact with as a Social Prescriber. She went above and beyond when I needed some support with my Mental Health last year. Danielle guided me and never stopped her care till I felt a lot better in myself. She’s such a lovely lady and so professional at the same time. This service is so important for everyday issues that people come across when they need that little bit of advice, reassurance and a listening ear. There should be more people in the world like Danielle working in her career field and will always be so thankful to have met Danielle.”

Social Prescriber

Emma Horn

My career in the NHS started out in 2019 when I was employed in a GP surgery as an apprentice studying a business administration diploma. Upon finishing my apprenticeship, my interest shifted towards a more patient facing role, and that is when I found out about Social Prescribing.

I have been working at Forest Heath PCN as a Social Prescriber since April 2024 and I continue to focus building on my experience, helping patients in a role that truly brings out the best of my skills. I find it extremely rewarding to support patients through the difficult issues they are facing, and help navigate and guide them to support that is available in order to improve their physical or mental health, along with any other issues life throws at them.

In my spare time, I enjoy running and attending my local Parkruns, going for walks with my dog, spending time with family and friends, listening to music and eating good food!

Primarily supports: Market Cross Surgery

Health & Well-being Coach

Emma Docherty

Hi, I’m Emma Docherty. I have been a Health and Wellbeing Coach for Forest Health PCN since August 2022.

With over 15 years of experience in Health Coaching, I’ve had the privilege of working for services such as the NHS Health Trainer Service, the National Diabetes Prevention Programme and GP Exercise on Referral schemes throughout Norfolk and Suffolk. I find great fulfilment in my work as a Health Coach because I love empowering people to take control of their own health. Seeing individuals make positive changes and take charge of their health goals is incredibly rewarding.

My areas of interest and expertise: Weight management, personal training, supporting physical activity for those with long-term conditions (GP Exercise Referral), promoting independence in older adults, diabetes prevention and management, pulmonary rehabilitation, mindfulness and meditation, Long-Covid recovery, and CFS/ME management.

When I’m not Health Coaching, I look after my own Health and Wellbeing by enjoying mountain hikes or visiting historical buildings.

Primarily supports: Forest Surgery, Market Cross Surgery, Reynard Surgery, and Brandon Medical Practice.

Patient testimonials:

“I have been fortunate to have this service offered to me and have regular face time sessions with Emma my Health and Wellbeing Coach. This has been since April. She is my back bone in my weight loss journey and always available and always gives great advice, excellent tips and lifts my spirit when I’m having doubts and gives encouragement and praise to spur me on. I have lost almost 4 stone it’s been hard but it’s been achievable thanks to the amazing service she provides. I thoroughly recommend the Health and Wellbeing Services. Thank you so much”

“I look forward to my coaching calls, and I always feel really listened to. I know I can speak about what I want to achieve for my wellbeing with ease and not feel embarrassed. She (Emma) always makes the impossible seem possible. I feel the best I have in years.”

Health & Well-being Coach

Emma Caplin

I joined the NHS in March 2024 and feel privileged to be able help improve the lives of those that I meet.  I love being constantly challenged, drawing on my lifetime of experience and professional knowledge to support patients in improving their health and wellbeing. 

Using different coaching methods and techniques, actively listening and helping to identify your own unique solutions, through empowerment and motivation, giving and building on the confidence to continue on your bespoke journey to health improvement.

My qualifications cover and are not limited to Personal Training, Strength & Conditioning, GP Referrals for Exercise, Posture Correction, Smoking Cessation, Diabetes Prevention Education, Teaching & Education, Drug & Alcohol Awareness, Managing Anxiety, Mental Health Awareness and Management, Mindfulness, Person Centred Care, Motivational Speaking, Behavioural Change, NLP Master Practitioner, Inner Child Therapy techniques.

Primarily supports: Lakenheath Surgery, Orchard House, Oakfield Surgery, and The Rookery Medical Practice.

Patient testimonials:

“When I came to see you I was adamant that I wasn’t going to change.  Almost defiant.  With your patience and understanding and allowing me to express myself, I took control and I’ve now not only stopped smoking, but drinking as well”

“You’ve helped me get into a better state of mind whilst dealing with multiple health challenges, I’m on route to achieving the ‘healthier’ goal that I set myself.  Thank you so much!”

Care Coordinators

Sharon Whatley

Sharon is a PCN Care Coordinator