National Social Prescribing Day 2023
9th March 2023
What is the aim of Bailiwick Social Prescribing?
We want people to live the best lives they can and we are here to help you achieve this, by supporting your social health and wellbeing.
What is Social Prescribing?
Many things that affect our health can’t be treated by doctors or medicine alone.
Social prescribing:
- Connects people to non-medical support to address their issues and other unmet needs
- Helps change the circumstances that can make people unwell
- Empowers people to manage existing health problems, to get the right benefits or get back into employment
- Connects people and helps them to grow in confidence
- Offers practical and emotional support
- Tackles health inequalities within a community
- Offers information and support, alongside access to physical activity, arts and heritage and the natural environment
How does it work?
Social prescribing Link Workers meet with clients for up to 6 hours during which time we:
- ask them questions to help identify what is the clients concerns
- work with them to help empower them to overcome any obstacles which may be stopping them reaching their goals.
- Support them to access suitable community or statutory support for their needs
- attend sessions with them if necessary to help them overcome any barriers
- Work with them to find their strengths ultimately improve their wellbeing
What is available?
Guernsey is fortunate to have many fantastic third sector, community and small business opportunities which will support which is equitable, low cost and available to all. Social Prescribing is the glue which links organisations with people who need their help creating thriving communities. These include:
- Registered Charities – including Guernsey Welfare, Linking Lives, Guernsey Bereavement, Guernsey Community Savings, Health Connections, Guernsey Voluntary Service
- Not for Profit organisations – such as Arts for Impact, Singing for Health, Community Libraries
- Community groups- like Tai Chi and Qi Gong, Zumba, Knit and Natter, craft and coffee
- Sports groups – including Walking football, Amalgamated Boxing, Climb LBG, Bowling, Guernsey Sailing Trust
- Micro-commissioned businesses – including Isle Health and All about Yoga
- Statutory services – such as Income support SohWell, Job Centre, Income Tax and Housing
Feedback from clients:
What do our client say:
- “What came out of it was positivity. To have someone NOT sympathising and saying yes I understand, it will eventually go away. Don’t worry it will disappear of its own accord. I feel like saying stop sympathising and say something positive! I actually went to bed smiling and woke up with a smile. Long time since I have done that. Many thanks for your help”
- “I am really enjoying the art classes at KGV and now thinking I’m ready to do something else too! I know who would have thought!”
- “Just to let you know income support have sent me an email and they are going to help me with my rent and other things. I’m so grateful to you for coming with me to sort this. Thank you so much.”
- “I particularly enjoyed the initial meeting with the BSP link workers they explained everything fully with humour and patience and the continuing contact with my link worker through my daughters has been very informative and encouraging. It pushed me to try some new things, not all were successful but some I enjoyed very much and will continue to do them.”
- “Things are going well thanks. Enjoying the course very much. I did one of the art courses and hope to get there when I can. Thank you for all your help I really appreciate it.”
- “I was so grateful and thankful for you having attended the pain clinic with me. I felt so supported and advocated by having you there! So THANK YOU!!”
Social Prescribing supports you to improve your health and wellbeing. In Guernsey everyone can access the scheme via their GP.
