My name is Rachael Conacher and I am the Health and Wellbeing Coach within the New Forest PCN. I have a keen interest in all things health and fitness related and have played many different sports over the years. I also studied Sport and Exercise Science at university with my main sport being hockey. This past year, I have spent a lot of time increasing my knowledge of Type 2 Diabetes in order to run groups that help people who are Pre-diabetic or Type 2 Diabetic. This is so that they can improve their chance of changing their lifestyle early on and potentially reverse their diagnosis.  I hope to run many more of these courses so that I can help as many patients reduce their risk of Diabetes and live a healthier life as possible.  

I can also help people with several other issues such as weight loss, mobility problems, social isolation, mental health concerns or simply just talk through the things they think they’d like to change in order to feel better.  

My name is Paula Johnson, and I am a Social Prescriber for adults.  I joined the PCN in February 2023 and love being a part of this team.  Previously, I worked as a Personal Trainer and have qualifications in exercise and nutrition.  I also worked for Solutions 4 Health delivering their Shape Up 4 Life programme helping people achieve a healthier lifestyle. 

I work with patients helping them deal with a variety of issues such as weight loss, bereavement, and mental health.  Giving people my time and just listening to them can make the world of difference.  We help patients identify what’s important to them and how to achieve this by signposting to the appropriate support.

Outside of work I enjoy socialising with friends, exercising, cooking, family walks with my dog Bentley and watching too much TV!

After working in health and well-being for 26 years I now enjoy being part ofthe NFPCN team. 

Blending my social prescribing skills with CBT and Yoga therapy skills.

Focusing on patients registered within our New Forest community and collaborating with local community services. 

Taking time to listen, be encouraging and allow space for people to consider positive choices and changes in their lives. Then linking people up with the available, varied and supportive local community services.

Helping people to take a step towards connecting and improving their lives .

Hello I’m Sue Arkle and I joined the Social Prescribing Team in March 2022. I look after adults over 25.  

Since 2007 I have been involved in therapy work, both on a one to one basis and running group counselling sessions. I have qualifications in Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and am also a fully qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist. I have worked with people from all walks of life and age groups. 

My role is to provide the time for patients to talk things through, to find out what matters to them and together, discover practical, non medical solutions to improve their situation.  

I am an avid reader and enjoy walking my dog in the beautiful New Forest and on the local beaches.  

My name is Hannah Jones I am a Social Prescriber working with adults, joining the team in October 2024.  I have previously worked as a Midwife undertaking many roles over my 16 years in Maternity Services. Now I am excited to support and advocate for the wider community to help increase wellbeing and promote healthy lifestyles.  I am keen to reduce health inequalities through engagement and access to the wide range of local and community based groups available in the New Forest.  Providing time and a listening ear is so valuable in the busy world we all inhabit now and the social prescribing team are well placed at the heart of the community to do the job! 

Outside of work my family and I enjoy the beach and the forest, weather permitting and I love a good book and attempts at 'rustic' pottery when it isn't.