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ing Social Prescrib PHOTO: JAMES SANDERSON
I’d like to see the gym sector help champion the social prescribing agenda, as a route to getting more people engaged in physical activity
James Sanderson Gyms have a role to play in collaborating with the social prescribing movement to improve the nation’s health, the CEO of the UK’s National Academy of Social Prescribing tells Kate Cracknell
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Issue 9 2021 ©Cybertrek 2021
Social prescribing is a great new way to help people look after their physical and mental health. GPs and other agencies can refer patients to a social prescribing link worker, who in turn can connect them to a variety of community groups and activities for practical, social and emotional support. This creates a powerful bridge between health services and the local community and allows people more control over their wellbeing in a way that suits them. The services offered are wide-ranging but can include things such as physical activity, healthy eating advice, arts activities, gardening, cooking classes and befriending schemes.
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/JACOB LUND
Prescriptions can range from walking and gardening, to befriending
What is social prescribing and how does it work?
