STAY WELL FEEL GREAT
Illustration: Ella Byworth
WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE TO TURN
O
n Merseyside the Pathways Advice Service at The Life Rooms is a free service that can provide you with practical support around these social issues.
“We call it social prescribing” says Andy Litchfield, who manages a team of advisors across The Life Rooms sites in Liverpool. “People can be referred by a health professional, but they can also refer themselves just by getting in touch.
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If you feel anxious you may go to your GP. But what if your anxiety stems from not knowing where the money is coming from to pay your next fuel bill, living in poor housing, or feeling isolated and lonely? By Jo Henwood
“A pathways advisor will talk to you and try to find out what may be contributing to your situation. It could be debt, housing or you may feel alone and isolated. We work in partnership with you and a range of NHS, local government, and voluntary and community organisations” That help covers a host of topics, from paying bills and claiming benefits, to finding training or a new job. Or it could be simply helping someone make new friends, take up a new hobby, or become more socially active.
Callers are increasingly concerned about rising fuel and food bills.
