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Social Prescribing

Social prescribing is a way of linking primary care patients to sources of appropriate, non-clinical support in the community. Improving your lifestyle can be very challenging and people often feel daunted at the prospect of change and not sure where to start. Social prescribing can help empower these people and give them the confidence and support necessary to make and sustain a change.

Social prescribing can help you to feel happier and healthier by encouraging you to join actives in your local area. It is designed to support you in you struggle with your physical or mental health and well-being.

There is a fantastic range of activities and organisations in the local community and social prescribing is all about linking people to these opportunities with the aim of improving their health and wellbeing.

Group activities include things like gardening, walking, eating healthy food, dancing, craft groups, cooking, swimming, yoga and circuit training. 

Social prescribing can also help you get advice on housing, debt advice, training, employment and volunteering, and access mental health support.

Who could benefit from social prescribing?

  • Those who would like to meet new people or have a regular place to go each week for some company.
  • Those who would like to know more about which types of food are good for you
  • Those who have an illness or condition which could benefit from doing more activity and exercise.
  • Those who are stressed or have anxiety or depression

How does it work?

Your doctor, nurse or sometimes other staff at the surgery may ask you if you would like to speak to someone called a Social Prescribing Link worker or Navigator

If you agree, then this person will contact you to make an appointment which will usually be at your surgery. You can talk confidentially to them about what might help you to feel happier and healthier.

They will then guide you to activities or support services that would suit you and help you to take the first steps to joining. You will also receive follow-up appointments so you can chat about how you are getting on.

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