A novel idea

Source: Mental Health Today, May 2009, pages 28-9

For fulltext link here

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This article describes the ‘Get Into Reading’ project work organised by The Reader Organisation in Liverpool.  Anecdotal reports from participants describe improvements in mental health and wellbeing by those taking part in groups.

Length of publication: 2 pages

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Acknowledgement: EBSCO

Can social prescribing provide the missing link?

Source: Primary Health Care Research & Development, October 2008, 9(4)

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Year of publication: 2008

Publication type:  Journal article

In a nutshell: Exploration of the concept of social prescribing and its value as a public health resource.  Data from the evaluation of a case study, involving a Community Health Advice Team (CHAT) being created to facilitate access to local voluntary and community groups and services, is used to illustrate the role of social prescribing as a partner in primary care.

Length of publication: 8 pages

Some important notes: You will need an NHS Athens username and password to access this article. If you cannot access the full text, please contact your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement:  BNI

Investigation into the feasibility of a social prescribing service in primary care: a pilot project

Source: Bath University, www.bath.ac.uk

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Year of publication: 2008

Publication type: Executive summary

In a nutshell: This research has identified comprehensive indicators that may be used to identify people suitable for referral to a social prescribing service, should one be commissioned. The data also indicate that social prescribing would be welcomed by patients, health professionals and the VCSES; especially where medical intervention is inappropriate or has been exhausted. There were concerns that funding should be sustainable, not short term. Practical barriers and issues were raised as well as acknowledgement that some health professionals do not make links between the type of indicators identified here and the use of social intervention. This could be overcome with computer generated prompts in health records. It may yet be too optimistic to expect that social prescribing will have a short term impact on the attendance rates of patients and associated costs due to their being embedded within a ‘medical model’ of health and illness.

Length of publication: 6 pages

Acknowledgement: Social Care Information Exchange

New ‘social prescribing’ website for patient support

Source: The Website www.justgo.org.uk

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Year of publication: 2008

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: The first website in the UK which puts hospital patients in touch with non-medical organisational support within their community has been created in Bolton.  The NHS social prescribing community initiative includes exercise or arts on prescription, referral to community-based self-help groups, befriending schemes and volunteering opportunities. It also includes support with benefits, debt, legal advice and parenting problems.  The website was designed for REAL Bacup, a not-for-profit organisation funded by East Lancashire Primary Care Trust (PCT).

Length of publication: 1 page

Some important notes:

Acknowledgement: The Bolton News