How social prescribing can help you improve your health and wellbeing
What is social prescribing
Social prescribing – sometimes called community referral – helps you find ways to improve your health and wellbeing. It does this by connecting you to events in your local area. This could be anything from art classes and social activities for adults who are isolated, to getting benefits and legal advice. Social prescribing allows you to access activities that meet your wider emotional, physical and social needs.
Services and activities available through social prescribing
Social prescribing can connect you to:
- healthy and active lifestyle advice
- arts, music and creativity
- befriending, counselling and other support groups
- housing benefits and financial support and advice
- employment, training and volunteering opportunities
- education and learning
- specialist services and support
- gardening projects
- healthy cookery classes.
How we can support you
Your GP, nurse or other health professional can refer you to a link worker or navigator. They will speak to you on the phone or meet face to face to:
- discuss your problems
- find out what’s important for your wellbeing
- help you access support, activities or services and make the best use of them.
Who offers social prescribing services
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Lewisham Safe and Independent Living (SAIL)
If you’re aged 60 plus, SAIL can connect you with local services to help you maintain your independence, safety and wellbeing.
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One Health Lewisham
The One Health Lewisham social prescribing service works directly with GP practices who refer patients to the social prescribing link workers to engage and connect with community services and opportunities.
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Community Connections
Community Connections Lewisham is a social prescribing service run by Age UK for anyone 18+ in the borough. They support people’s health and wellbeing through helping them discover and access local groups and services; for example, social groups, befriending services and adult education courses. The service they offer includes person-centred planning support for those with complex needs and barriers, and they are able to refer to a wide range of partner organisations when appropriate.
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Community directory to support health and wellbeing
Explore our community directory for local information, activity and support to improve your health and wellbeing.
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Sydenham Garden
Sydenham Garden for people wanting to improve their mental health, particularly people with depression, anxiety and trauma. They also have a specific service for people with the early stages of dementia. You will need to be referred by a health or care professional.
Other social prescribing activities available
You can also find support for: