This Thursday (14^th) sees the first International Social Prescribing Day organised by the Social Prescribing Network.

Haven’t lost you yet? Good, because Living Well Sefton is celebrating by showing you what is just around the corner in Sefton to make you feel better about yourself. All will be revealed at the end of this article.

In the meantime, what does social prescribing actually refer to?

It sounds rather clinical but it is about signposting people to a range of local, non-clinical services and activities. This is because having positive mental wellbeing is as important as having good physical health.

For example, where you live, how you live and who you live, work and socialise with, all impact on your health and wellbeing. Pointing people in the direction of different activities such as cooking, gardening, crafting, volunteering and walking can improve their lifestyle – and outlook on life.

International Social Prescribing Day represents the first annual international celebration of social prescribing. Clinicians, allied healthcare professionals, community groups, voluntary organisations, patients, medical schools, academics, and students across the UK and world will host a series of events and activities across the globe to raise awareness of social prescribing in people of all ages.

Dr Marie Polley, co-founder of The Social Prescribing Network and Senior Lecturer in Health Sciences at the University of Westminster, said: “Raising awareness of social prescribing for professionals and the public is a crucial next step now that social prescribing has been included as part of the future NHS.”

In Sefton, we have a thriving voluntary, charity and faith (VCF) sector with numerous organisations and groups geared up to bring out the best in people.

Living Well Sefton has links with many VCF partners and they have been helping people find their goals in a way that works for them. This may be stopping smoking, getting out more, or taking up a new hobby.

For those in the Netherton area, there is the Feelgood Factory which has its own green space nearby for growing vegetables, fruits and herbs as well as daily groups such as craft, reading, yoga as well as  walking football and stress clinics.

While those living in the Bootle area can pop in to the May Logan centre and try out their social walking club, gardening group, groups for older people and the free health checks they provide at the Strand By Me shop.

Whatever it is, Living Well Sefton and all its various partners are here to support you. Give us a call on 0300 323 0181 or refer into our service via the website home page.

There is an NHS leaflet describing social prescribing, download it here.

For more reading on social prescribing click here:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/social-prescribing/