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.
A named link worker is assigned to an individual and taking a holistic approach to that individuals  health and wellbeing they give them time to discuss what matters to them connect them to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support.
 
 
Social prescribing works for a wide range of people, including people:

• with one or more long-term conditions
• who need support with their mental health?
• who are lonely or isolated?
• who have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing?

 
But the strange thing is, that we already have a means of social prescribing, it is called word of mouth!
 
People come to class and have a good time; they tell their friend and their friend pops along to give it a go. If they enjoy it then they carry on coming but if it isn’t quite their thing then they remember it for someone who might enjoy it.
 
A lady recently asked if she could ‘experience’ my class, and she did and really enjoyed it. People phone asking if the class is suitable for those with a variety of conditions and I tell them that my classes is for everyone- for people- not for conditions.
 
So, if you know someone who has a long-term condition, they are lonely or isolated then do your own ‘social prescribing’ and bring them along to class and let them meet like-minded people in a fun, happy and social setting.
 
The first class is always free so what have they go to lose?