Social prescribing is not new, for many years voluntary and community groups, and social enterprises (VCSEs), have 
been providing activities and services which improve people’s overall health and wellbeing and connect them to their local communities. This work has been increasingly recognised, in particular during this period of changes to lives as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Guide provides an overview and checklist for organisations to make sure they have everything in place to provide this support to people. The checklists can be downloaded to use as working self-assessment documents to identify any gaps and links to resources that can be freely accessed.
As the coronavirus crisis continues we know that more people are needing personal help to reconnect, get out and about and, as the situation eases, to get involved in activities. VCSEs and the army of volunteers we have are providing help in all manner of ways; helping people who are experiencing anxiety for their own health and that of others around them, keeping people connected by having regular chats and conversations. This guide is intended to signpost colleagues providing support in any way to resources to help them in their work with people of all ages in their communities.
If you find there is anything missing from this Guide which would be useful for others, or have any suggestions to improve it, please contact Dewi Winkle dewi.winkle@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk for our next version update.
Download the guide here.