Nickie Cunningham, Bayberry Social Prescriber
Published: 16 September 2024
What is it?
Social prescribing is a new and innovative way to offer support. This may be alongside traditional medication, or, if the client prefers and if appropriate, as an alternative. It provides much greater choice and is available to clients at Bayberry to explore during their time with us. For some people, a holistic approach is most suited – for some it’s traditional medication – for others its something that looks at their life and interests more widely and resources itself from activities that are known to support wellbeing.
We offer choice at Bayberry – and we will support the pathway that suits you – and give you the opportunity to explore options.
The purpose is to give you time to focus on what matters to YOU most; supporting you in taking control of your health and wellbeing – to build connections with interests and community services and resources, addressing physical, mental, emotional and social needs. It is centered around you as an individual, recognising that each person’s needs, preferences and circumstances are unique. What works for one may not work for another; that is why a social prescriber gets to know you to help you find the right support.
How does it work?
The results of research have shown it reduced levels of stress, anxiety and feelings of isolation and fostered better approaches to community and wellbeing. The Guardian reported on one specific initiative based on ‘green prescribing’ stating,
“The participants were assessed before and after taking part in the green prescribing schemes. Their average happiness scores went from 5.3 out of 10 to 7.5 and feelings that life was worthwhile rose from 4.7 to 6.8.”
The first session will be where our social prescriber will get to know you. They will focus on your interests, hobbies, goals, community setting and things that are personal to you. They will listen to you and help you frame specific objectives that are achievable, personal and reflect positive goals. If this is helpful to you and you’d like to continue to explore this pathway, additional sessions can look at how you can achieve those goals; for example, arranging appointments, reserving places, obtaining memberships, joining groups, making actionable plans, understanding who you can seek support from in your community. The focus is split into two sections. The first is what do you want to focus on and the second is how/where you can do it;
Focus? You may want to engage in mindfulness and meditation sessions, art and music, housing or financial support, walking and nature groups, peer support networks, language and culture, religion, community support groups, nutrition or cooking classes, there are many more areas that can be explored.
Where/How can you do it? There are a range of organisations; such as community groups, gyms and fitness locations, health and wellbeing centres, charities, volunteer groups, housing support officers, educational institutions, religious organisations and more that offer direct support that may be relevant to you. A social prescriber will help you to find the right organisation to reach out to.
How does it benefit me?
You may ask why you would need a social prescriber to help with this? Every one is different, and there are as many answers as there are individuals. So the answer is that a social prescriber is knowledgeable about the different types of organisations and activities that are available and has fostered connections within the community. They help you focus on what is important to you – whatever that might be – and how you can create health and wellbeing goals and make them specific and achievable. They can also make suggestions on programmes or activities that you did not know were available, widening your understanding of what is available to you.
Navigating this wide area of support can be overwhelming; our social prescriber is here to support you every step of the way allowing you to leave Bayberry with a clear, actionable onward plan.
If this is something you are interested in, or you would like to find more information about the services we offer at Bayberry call 0800 690 6366 or use our Live Chat system to speak to our admissions team.
