Social prescribing is helping users in Guernsey

Participating in social activities as an alternative to traditional medicine has helped participants find ‘purpose’ and ‘opportunities’.

The number of monthly referrals for ‘social prescribing’ has tripled in Guernsey in the last three years report unveiled last week.

Art lessons are among the options offered by the United States’ Bailiwick Social Prescribing (BSP) service.

Emily Nuttall, who recently started attending the sessions, said it helped her build connections with other people, learn news skills and gave her “purpose.”

“The social prescribing of BSP has given me new opportunities,” she said. “It’s very important for my own mental well-being.”

She also encouraged people to be open to joining a group.

“I think you have to be curious, be inspired and bring your creative self to life because for our well-being we all have to be creative.”

To improve this, social prescribing was launched the health and well-being of patients by connecting them to community resources and activities.

It’s becoming more and more supported by scientific studies and recipes offer a range of help, from art classes and cycling groups to food and heating bills.

BSP leader Trish De Carteret said people of all ages have been referred since the island’s service launched in 2021, from 18 to 98.

“Social isolation is our second biggest reference to people (and) they all seem to have different needs. The question of why people become isolated can be very broad, but it is a big problem on this island.”

Artist Olympia McEwan launched the art class about two years ago and has a core group of about twelve people who attend weekly.

“One of my service users, Pip, said that when you go to this group it feels like you are finding an oasis of care, calm and pure enjoyment.”