What is social prescribing?

[Lcw29]

As title really

Things like volunteering and parkrun/walk I think.

As far as I am aware it’s just signposting to other agencies/charities/voluntary sector to help with improving your mental health

You get Community connectors’ or link workers to do this

It's anything that is a different type of prescribing to a typical medical prescription for drugs.

So for example GPs can make referrals to access weight watchers or to the local gym, or perhaps an outreach service or voluntary service 'on prescription'

In theory it's an attempt to look at the person holistically rather than just medically and treat causes rather than just symptoms. In reality it's got to be backed up by good community services so can be a bit of a postcode lottery.

I saw a news report about this. People with depression were in a special gardening group with other depressed people. It was really helpful for them to feel connected with others and the gardening helped them feel better too.

It’s the idea that you can be referred to all kinds of charity sector activities - exercise, walking groups, gardening, volunteering etc.

Ok...interesting . I guess I will have to wait and see then. I'm hoping it's not too overwhelming as part of my issue is not having enough time for rest.

I just wish it was easier to feel 'ok' especially when trying to be a good mum to my little ones.