Today is Social Prescribing Day. A day dedicated to bringing everyone involved in social prescribing together to raise awareness of what social prescribing is, how it works, and how it changes lives.
Despite the name, Social Prescribers and Link Workers never actually prescribe anything! Instead, it’s a bespoke form of support, where they ask the question “what matters to you?” They then develop tailored plans, led by the person and their priorities, and connect them to local community resources, groups and support services, learning and volunteering opportunities, and peer support networks.
Green and Blue Social Prescribing is specifically about connecting people with the outdoors and nature, bringing with it a huge range of mental and physical health benefits through activities like walking, gardening, improving areas for wildlife and creative activities.
Throughout today, Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Sector organisations involved in the delivery of Social Prescribing across Humber and North Yorkshire will be sharing case studies about the positive impacts of Social Prescribing. This Green Social Prescribing case study is just one case study which demonstrates the power of social prescribing and how it changes lives.
“I’ve had huge support from my Social Prescriber with building my confidence. I’m more independent with an increased sense of wellbeing. I’ve got my life back on track.” – Patient
“I achieved all my goals and am healthier, more sociable, more confident. I have been supported in connecting with the gym, Nordic Walking, Slimming World and… Health Trainers. I feel more confident. A lot calmer and able to handle crisis. My mental and physical health is much improved.” – Patient
VCSE Sector organisations are a crucial part of social prescribing because social prescribing cannot thrive without a robust, responsive local VCSE Sector to refer into.
Therefore, the HNY HCP VCSE Collaborative was tasked with conducting a review of social prescribing across Humber and North Yorkshire; focusing on what social prescribing across our region looks like, its impact and the challenges faced.
As part of the review, the VCSE Collaborative brought Social Prescribers and Link Workers from across Humber and North Yorkshire together for the first time on 8 February. With over 70 attendees, the day focused on sharing success stories, discussing challenges and exploring future opportunities, as well as plenty of networking with peers.
If you’d like to find out more about the VCSE Collaborative’s review findings, please contact Gary Sainty, Head of VCSE: gary.sainty@nhs.net
Further resources about social prescribing:
- Websites and social media accounts:
- HEY Smile Foundation website | Twitter
- York CVS website | Twitter
- Ways to Wellbeing website | Twitter
- Primary Care Link Workers website | Twitter
- Forum website | Twitter
- North East Lincolnshire Sector Support website | Twitter
- Citizens Advice North Lincolnshire website | Twitter
- Community First North Yorkshire | Twitter
- Videos:
- Short video from Social Prescribing Conference: https://youtu.be/fmyXSJ_qYHs
- Green Social Prescribing video: https://youtu.be/qxUX-E2lQk8