Social Prescribing – a New Service

What is social prescribing?

Social prescribing, sometimes referred to as community referral, is a means of enabling GPs, nurses and other primary care professionals to refer people to a range of local, non-clinical services.

Recognising that people's health is determined primarily by a range of social, economic and environmental factors, social prescribing seeks to address people's needs in a holistic way. It also aims to support individuals to take greater control of their own health.

Social prescribing schemes can involve a variety of activities which are typically provided by voluntary and community sector organisations. Examples include volunteering, arts activities, group learning, gardening, befriending, legal advice, support groups, specific health issues organisations, cookery, healthy eating advice and a range of sports.

Social prescribing is designed to support people with a wide range of social, emotional or practical needs, and many schemes are focussed on improving mental health and physical well-being.  Those who could benefit from social prescribing schemes include people with mild or long-term mental or physical health problems, vulnerable groups, people who are socially isolated, and those who frequently attend either primary or secondary health care.

Carehub.info has been developed by a consortium of partners including GPs from West Cheshire CCG, Brightlife, Brio Leisure and other stakeholders to further links to, and knowledge of Social Prescribing facilities available to our patients.  

For more info CLICK HERE

For the Village Surgeries Web Site CLICK HERE