What is Social Prescribing?
Social Prescribing offers a range of non-medical interventions that promote wellbeing and self-care. Many health conditions are not purely bio-medical in origin but have broader social determinants: social prescribing signposts individuals to social solutions for regaining and maintaining their own wellness. Social prescribing can be a preferred choice of treatment or act as a complement to medical treatments.
Social Prescribing is an umbrella phrase that refers to a framework of programmes that encourage individuals to learn skills in coping and self-care. The range or menu of social prescribing programmes includes: arts on prescription, books on prescription, physical activity on prescription, learning on prescription and volunteering.
Sefton’s local social prescribing programmes include:
Active Sefton, Active Lifestyles, Relax & Revive, Creative Alternatives, Active Reading and Citizen’s Advice Bureau Health Outreach Service.
Who can be helped by Social Prescribing?
Social Prescribing can benefit those experiencing either/both physical and mental health problems.
Why does it help?
Benefits of Social Prescribing Interventions:
- Self-management and skills development
- Building self-esteem and confidence.
- Improved physical health.
- Increased social participation, networks and inclusion.
- Self-knowledge and personal development.
- Money & debt management.
NEW:
Sefton now has a new Wellbeing Coordinator called Jan Smith. She provides a social prescribing networking service for people living in the wards of Linacre and Derby. To refer yourself to Jan please phone the Healthy Sefton number: 0300 100 1000 and ask them to refer you to the Wellbeing Co-ordinator or get someone to do this on your behalf. Jan will contact you to arrange a meeting where she will be able to advise you on the best social prescribing services for you.
