NATIONAL Social Prescribing Day saw the local service raise awareness of its helping hand, supporting islanders through life challenges that cannot be cured with medicine.
As part of the Health Improvement Commission, Bailiwick Social Prescribing helps to improve health and wellbeing through non-medical support, via social activities. It launched locally in 2021 and ran for five years as a pilot, and now has funding from the States.
‘It’s made such a difference to some people’s lives,’ said BSP lead Trish De Carteret.
‘Lots of people don’t want to take a drug that makes them feel better, often they want to get out. Taking an antidepressant doesn’t necessarily improve their life – but building connections, skills, confidence and having creative outlets can. And there is something out there that can help pretty much everybody. There were just two of us working here initially and now there’s six. We want to make referrals to us easier, with self-referral being our end goal.’
In celebration of its national day, a welcome drop-in was held at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital in a bid to connect hospital staff and community members with its resources.
‘I think my most often-asked question is “can you explain what social prescribing is?”,’ said Jo Hollyer-Hill.
‘It’s difficult to explain, but it’s also so important. Every single person we meet and support has a different need or challenge. The reason it’s hard to define is because it’s so all-encompassing. But it’s proved to be so helpful for so many.
‘We’ve always been extraordinarily busy. Basically every working day we get a new referral.’
The service has recently expanded its referral pathways, to now include Chest and Heart, the pain clinic and Healthy Minds, as well as all GPs, the prison and adult disability community services.
‘This means we’re more accessible to more people, and the more the better. We help with anything that can’t be cured with medicine, such as help with finding somewhere new to live, or getting into exercising, or access to some higher education for help with literacy skills.
‘If somebody just doesn’t want to do something or go somewhere on their own, like a meeting at income support, or court, or a new class – we go with them. It’s like having an extra person in your corner – and everybody wants that.
‘I’d say we’re actually better than a best friend or family member, because we’re a third party and don’t have a preconceived idea of what somebody is like, and we think they need.
‘We wait for the intrinsic motivation to show itself and then provide the tools.’
n To learn more visit www.bsp.org.gg