New social prescribing project aims to transform health services for NI patients

A new health project using ‘social prescribing’ could transform the delivery of health and social care in Northern Ireland said the Department of Health Permanent Secretary, Richard Pengelly today.

Social prescribing recognises community-centred ways of working can often be more effective than the traditional treatments being used to improve the health and well-being of marginalised groups and vulnerable individuals. Instead of prescribing medicine and referring to hospitals, people will have access to a range of activities including arts, group learning, counselling sessions, cookery, befriending schemes, healthy lifestyle support, sports and yoga.

Speaking at the launch of a £3 million National Lottery funded NI health project by the Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum today in Londonderry, Mr Pengelly welcomed the SPRING Social Prescribing project.

Mr Pengelly (pictured) said: “It is a sad fact that the more disadvantaged people’s circumstances are, the worse their health is likely to be. It is a huge challenge for government to narrow the health gap between the most and the least deprived areas so everyone in society has an equal chance of experiencing good health and well-being.

“The extent to which we have control of our lives, have good social connections and live in healthy, safe neighbourhoods, are all important influences on good physical and mental health. Those who find themselves excluded from society, discriminated against, or lacking power and control through living in poverty, can be the least likely to access and benefit from traditional services, despite often having the worst health and greatest need.”

“Whilst the health and social care system has a key role to play in tackling the root causes of poor health and health inequalities, it cannot do it on its own. Social prescribing recognises the role that our voluntary and community sector partner and crucially clients and service users have to play in improving health and well-being outcomes.

“We wish this project the very best of success. GPs can refer patients to take part in community activities which will reduce their isolation and dependence on medication whilst reducing pressures on GPs and other healthcare professional. I’m sure this programme will have a positive impact on many people who engage with it over the next few years and I look forward to watching its development.

“This project will help support the continuing transformation of health and social care in Northern Ireland. We need to see more preventive and proactive care for patients together with earlier detection and treatment of physical and mental health problems. We need to see the independence of people supported through new initiatives. These aims are supported in Health and Wellbeing 2026 – Delivering Together,” said Mr Pengelly.

Picture (c) Liam McBurney / PA Wire.