social prescribing

Our Wellbeing Co-Ordinator Becky Beesley is a key member of the Wellmoor team!

She was initially responsible for a social prescribing pilot scheme aimed at the over 50s in our area. Since September 2019 her remit has extended to over 18s. Her work comes out of the need to address widespread loneliness and social isolation, a need established by our local Loneliness Project and by national research.

Social prescribing is being heavily advocated by a number of organisations, including the NHS, as an effective way to deal with a wide variety of physical and mental health problems. It encourages all of us to ask not “what’s the matter with me?” but instead:

“what matters to me?”

Many research studies have shown that our emotional state is reflected in our physical health. If we are feeling lonely or isolated, our likelihood of becoming ill increases.

At the same time, if we are struggling with physical health problems, our recovery time and our ability to cope is improved by positive social engagement and taking part in activities which we enjoy. It’s different for everyone, but that’s the point: we all need to find the things in life that bring us joy and a feeling of fulfilment and purpose.

Becky currently works with clients who have been referred by their GP or by another healthcare professional. All clients are dealt with on an individual basis with personalised help and support.

If you’d like to know more about social prescribing please get in touch.