A PENLEY-based group has celebrated the Social Prescribing project which continues to deliver mental health and wellbeing support to patients at GP Surgeries across Wexham.

The Rainbow Foundation took part in the National Social Prescribing week which ran from March 4 to March 10.

A Social Prescriber can help patients establish what matters to them and provide them with direct support to reach their health and wellbeing goals.

The holistic approach enables them to ‘prescribe’ for patients’ emotional wellbeing as well as provide practical assistance to deal with the issues that are affecting health.

The Rainbow Foundation delivers the social prescribing service on behalf of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board with support from GP Surgeries across Wrexham.

Whitchurch Herald: The Rainbow CentreThe Rainbow Centre

 Geraldine Vaughan, Operational Manager said: “Social prescribing offers an opportunity to help patients and GPs navigate through all the options available, it focuses on building people’s personal resilience and ability to take control of their own health and wellbeing when faced with challenging life events.

“We provide the support that addresses the social and environmental issues that the person is experiencing as they have such a big impact on physical and mental wellbeing. Direct talking therapy allows patients to establish what matters to them and assist them to reach achievable goals which support good mental health.

“We are also able to refer to a wide range of support services, including social services and the Citizens Advice bureau as well as helping clients to reengage with their community.”

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 Jo Young, the Community Wellbeing Lead at The Rainbow Foundation further explained: "A fifth of people who go to see their doctor present with personal and non-medical problems which are resulting in anxiety, low mood, grief, loneliness or personal and financial worries.

“Now, instead of reaching for the prescription pad, you can see a Social Prescriber who can ‘prescribe’ for your emotional wellbeing as well as giving you practical assistance to deal with the issues that are negatively impacting on your health.

“Mental health has been a health concern for many during the lockdown. Due to work from home culture and isolation to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, there was a rise in mental health issues. Not to mention the strains put on older people who were already struggling with isolation and accessing services locally.

“Now as we are moving into the “new normal” we are still seeing a vast amount of mental health issues, along with bereavement, relationship breakdowns, financial hardships, and employment issues, as well as people needing support to live with chronic pain on a daily basis. There is no need to suffer in silence though as we are here to help."

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Social Prescribers work alongside local area-based Community Agents across Wrexham. The social prescribing service is available to all Wrexham GP patients over the age of 18.

 Therefore, if you believe that you could benefit from this free service then please contact your GP for a referral. Alternatively, you can refer directly to the Social Prescribing service by emailing them at spt@rainbowcentrepenley.org.uk, stating the surgery you are registered at and providing your contact details.