CASE STUDY Social Prescribing

In 2018 we launched a social prescribing pilot in Whitehill and . From working out in the community and undertaking research we learned that there was a connection between housing and health, so we wanted to find a sustainable way to make a long-term difference.

By launching a social prescribing project in collaboration with GPs and health professionals we wanted to close the gap between health and housing and get people feeling happy and well.

The approach involves ‘befriending’ individuals, connecting people to support groups or identifying volunteering opportunities. It focuses on tackling issues around mobility, mental health and diet, plus more. The results from this scheme have been great, and we are proud to have addressed 47 referrals - signposting and advising many of them to available WHAT IS SOCIAL PRESCRIBING? resources - as well as supporting 20 people into a The practice of social prescribing involves meaningful activity or group. referring an individual with a variety of By working in partnership with the East primary care needs to a community group or Primary Care Network, who are now leading on the activity. This bespoke approach to supporting social prescribing scheme for East Hants, we have a person’s wellbeing involves taking part in been able to share our learnings and support them in activities such as sport or voluntary work with carrying on this essential project. We’ve also provided the support of a local link worker. Not only software funding for the project which covers 2020/21. does it provide relief from social isolation, but improves physical and mental health.

We see social prescribing as a positive route to wellbeing and many people have already benefitted from it. Here we share some of their stories. Angela, Bordon

I was referred to the Radian Social Prescribing Project back in August 2019 due to my mobility issues which “Knowing about this service gives stem from MS, which resulted in me being paralysed me something to look forward to. I from the waist down for the last 12 years. can easily book it when I feel like My mobility issues mean accessing anything outside going and be picked up and dropped the home is extremely difficult and very expensive. Taxis could cost around £60.00 or more for a ¾ off nearby.” mile journey return and there were very few suitable vehicles for my needs. It’s really helped increase my confidence with going out, as I hadn’t been out in about three years, it got to By linking up with the Call and Go Service through a point where I was so fed up and couldn’t see a way Social Prescribing I can now enjoy trips out to nearby out. So, I am very glad this project came into my life. towns such as Alton, , or Farnham amongst My confidence has increased to the point I can others. The service offers an adequate minibus which go out independently locally with my wheelchair and my wheelchair can go on, it collects me from my feel confident! I also plan to get involved with the home, takes me to the venue and picks me up two local Timebank scheme to meet new people and hours later to return me to my door. All for a small share skills. donation of around £3.00! Alan, Lindford

I then looked for volunteering opportunities and managed to find myself a part-time role at a local toyshop in June 2019 and I have been there ever since. The support I received helped increase my confidence and it felt good to find a job where I felt useful.

Through Olivia’s signposting and phone calls, I am now aware of a local voluntary group who can get me to and from hospital appointments for a reasonable donation. This has helped me immensely, both financially and with managing stress.

Olivia and the CAB have also been a great help to appeal a decision to cut my PIP payments which happened a few months ago, and I am currently waiting to hear about a tribunal.

I am interested in joining the ‘Cooking for men’ course at Café 1759, this was put on hold but I look forward to getting involved when it starts again. I was referred to Radian’s social prescribing service in February 2019 by my doctor.

I was referred for social support, and advice around “Meeting Olivia to have a coffee and helping improve my mobility which was restricted due chat was really useful, it gave me to back and calf pain. Kate and Olivia came to see me initially and supported me with chasing up my PIP encouragement and helped me learn application. They also completed a Hampshire County how to access services in the area.” Council online referral for adaptions which resulted in a lady coming out to assess the property. I got grab rails on the side of the toilet and bath, one under the bed, a special seat for the bath and special chair for the kitchen. These adaptions helped me significantly to get around the home safely.

I managed to source a scooter myself as well as an outside electric point for my scooter. I was also signposted to local groups such as Men’s Sheds, and Olivia helped encourage me to look into volunteering and access support from the job centre to help me with a new CV. Martin, Bordon

I was referred to Radian’s social prescribing project in 2018 by my G.P for social and mental health support. Within a few months of receiving support I found the confidence to step into volunteering at Café 1759 in Bordon. This was stepping massively outside my comfort zone but through the support of the cafe staff I developed skills around customer service and was part of a working environment which I had not experienced since 2006.

I also explored and completed a wellbeing course with Just Be NLP, this helped me develop some tools and coping strategies manage my anxiety. I also completed a Food Hygiene Level 2 course which I am very proud about. Being part of a team helps me feel comfortable in social situations; it isn’t always easy, but I am doing so much better than I was. Through the social prescribing scheme I have felt LOOKING TO THE FUTURE supported to achieve new things; I have picked up the guitar again, considered different self-care and When we started the social prescribing scheme wellbeing advice; completed a Maths GCSE course; we wanted to support and improve people’s and volunteered for over a year at the café. I am quality of life and wellbeing. What we learned is looking forward to trying a Mindfulness course next that there is a continued need for this bespoke and hope to get into paid work someday. approach to personal support, and we are pleased that the Primary Care Network in will now continue to deliver this. Emma, Headley Down In June 2020 we announced our Community Investment Zones for 2020 to 2025, as well as our key focus areas of delivery. Health and I was referred to the Social Prescribing project for wellbeing remain a priority for us, and we will social support. Having moved from Guildford with work with partners to empower people to take three boys (two teenagers) I have felt very isolated charge of their wellbeing and get involved in and have suffered with my mental health. I met Olivia their community. who helped me learn about groups and activities in We recognise that there is still more to be the local area, and she also referred me to Radian’s done, and many people who still need tailored employment team who helped me produce a new CV support, and it is our aim that our community and consider other job and training opportunities. investment plays a role in increasing life Radian covered the cost for me to attend a wellbeing chances and positive wellbeing. course with JustBe NLP, which I look forward to attending.I have found the support really encouraging, useful and helpful. I have been given so much information on what’s on locally and groups I can join. Olivia has been very supportive, she is so easy to talk to, and a really lovely person.