SOCIAL PRESCRIBING SERVICE

Social Prescribing is a non-clinical, non-medicinal way of focussing on improving mental health, physical wellbeing and support those with long term conditions or those who are socially isolated. Social prescribing is designed to support people with a wide range of social or emotional needs and many schemes are an activity or project, based within the local community.

Not only does this give a person a new interest or hobby, but it also helps them socialise within their community and feel less isolated, whilst also giving them an element of control for their own health and well-being. It does not have any bias and covers all ages, sexes, religions, status, nationalities and many “labels” or diagnoses that a person might have. Using creativity in this way helps to address language and cultural problems which can help to balance out many of the inequalities experienced by asylum seekers, people experiencing homelessness or the travelling community.

Social prescribing has been proven to increase quality of life and reduce admissions to A&E. It is a start to help to reduce social isolation and improve quality of life.

You Asked We Responded (YAWR) through the Social Prescribing Service helps adults over the age of 18 with long term health conditions and mental health issues to improve their health and wellbeing by helping them to access community activities and services. YAWR is part of a wider multi-agency approach for targeted patients in Rotherham.