Social prescribing forms part of the NHS’s focus on prevention and non-clinical interventions. It can form part of a personalised, holistic approach to an individual’s health and wellbeing, focusing on what matters to the individual. It can be suitable for a wide range of people, such as those:
with one or more long-term conditions
who need support with their mental health
who are lonely or isolated
who have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing.
Social prescribing is designed to support people with a wide range of social, emotional or practical needs, and many schemes are focused on improving mental health and physical wellbeing.
In the UK, GPs, pharmacies, hospital discharge teams, job centres, social care services and others can refer an individual to a link worker who will connect them to practical and emotional support within the community.
A link worker will take time to get to know the individual, starting with what matters to them. They can then help to create a shared plan and introduce people to community support. In this way, individuals can get more control over their healthcare, to manage their needs and in a way that suits them.
Evidence is starting to emerge showing that social prescribing can lead to a range of positive health and wellbeing outcomes for people, such as improved quality of life and emotional wellbeing. It is hoped that it will reduce the demands on the health and social care system and reduce health inequalities too.
Our vision of a working care farm and animal sanctuary means we are perfectly suited to play a part in the growth in social prescribing and the positive outcomes it can deliver.
Green social prescribing is a growing sub-category. Here, individuals are linked to nature-based interventions and activities, such as local walking groups, community gardening and food-growing projects. Connecting individuals with animals and nature to improve their mental, emotional and physical health is key to our mission. We strongly believe that building a relationship with nature, or connecting emotionally to nature is good for one’s wellbeing and happiness. Our proposed activities such as caring for our farm animals, helping to grow our produce, watching the local wildlife, or just ‘being present’ in beautiful surroundings can all help people to experience a better quality of life.
Whilst nature is everywhere, the quality of nature, and access to it, differs widely across the UK. Whether it is through social prescribing or other means, we want to work with groups and organisations supporting older people, ex-service personnel, adults with physical disabilities, adults with learning disabilities and people on a low income. Our aim is to offer these individuals purposeful activities and access to a space to experience nature and the environment in order for them to benefit from a holistic approach to improving their health and wellbeing.
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