What is social prescribing?
Social prescribing explores the wider determinants of health – broadly our life chances and lifestyles. We know that things such as where we live, our finances and how connected we are to the community impact our ability to manage our health conditions and general sense of wellbeing.
“Being able to refer to social prescribing is a fantastic resource for me as a GP. Many of my patients do not need medication, instead they get much better results through focusing on improving their social circumstances and engaging with others in the community.
“Before we had Social Prescribers I felt frustrated that I could see what my patients needed but was unable to help as much as I would like. However now with our Social Prescribers it is wonderful to be able to offer my patients a bespoke quality service which can help make real life positive changes to their life”: Dr Katherine Carman, GP partner.
The GP partners at Coquet Medical Group alongside Social Prescribing Link Worker Natalie Arnold have recently launched a Courtyard garden project at Amble Health Centre. The aim of the project is to bring patients together to create a sensory garden space.
The first session launched in September to begin clearing weeds to make way for the new gardening season
“My hopes for the project are to bring people together in nature, to give our patient attendees a sense of achievement and empowerment through creative input and collaboration, as well as offer a safe space to talk, build friendships, and generally improve mental and physical wellbeing. I’m really excited to see the space transform over the coming months and be able to offer staff a calming space to take 5’’ : Natalie Arnold, Social Prescribing Link Worker
If you are a patient of Coquet Medical Group and want to get involved with the project; whether you are a keen gardener that would like to volunteer your time and expertise or you have no experience and just want to come along and get stuck in!
Contact natalie.arnold1@nhs.net or 07485 348 303
Natalie Arnold
Social Prescribing GP Link Worker
