Highlighting the positive effect that Social Prescribing has on the lives of Longford people

Humans are knitted together by our common interests. The urge to be part of a collective; be it sporting organisations, reading groups or walking clubs is part of the makeup of most people.

Research suggests that although there are growing numbers of clubs and organisations there is also an increase in loneliness and isolation.

Combating those twin social problems is the core objective of the Social Prescribing Service. Next Thursday, March 14 is International Social Prescribing Day.

This is a day to raise awareness about Social Prescribing and celebrate the success of the service across the country.

The Social Prescribing Service aims to support people going through a vulnerable time because of loneliness, isolation or health issues. It connects them with people or facilities in their community sharing their interests and abilities.

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An example of significance of the service can be gleaned from the members of Men’s or Women’s Sheds, community gardening projects and community arts groups.

Locally the Social Prescribing is a free service run by Tony Owens, with Longford Community Resources facilitating the service.

Funded by SláinteCare and targeted at connecting people for the benefit of their practical, social and emotional needs affecting their health and wellbeing, there are about 50 social prescribers dotted around the country.

“The service in Longford has been running for the last two years,” Tony told the Leader in advance of International Social Prescribing Day, “it's a national initiative. It's particularly about raising awareness amongst the referral agencies, the people who make the referrals to the service.”

The service is free of charge and open to anyone over 18. People can be referred to a local coordinator by a doctor, health professionals, or even refer themselves.

“National Social Prescribing Day highlights our work and the positive effect that Social Prescribing has on the lives of people in Longford,” Tony said.

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Having a day of recognition is important: “It keeps social prescribing in the public consciousness. It encourages health professionals to refer people to the service. It's all about meeting with people, having a one-to-one, chatting with them about their hobbies or interests.

“We make suggestions based on those interests and hobbies about the social groups, community programmes and support in the area. It's about helping them make the first step to join these groups.”

Access to the service is open to all adults: “Anyone over the age of 18 can self refer, or they can be referred by a friend or a neighbour as long as they have their permission. Most referrals come from health professionals, like a GP, occupational therapist, physio, public health nurse, or even a community worker.”

Information on the Social Prescribing Service is available on the LCRL website or you can email the local Tony Owens at Towens@lcrl.ie