Rise in social prescription referrals, report says

The free scheme aims to improve people's physical, mental, and emotional health

In 2023, 350 people were referred to Bailiwick Social Prescribing (BSP) - an alternative to medical treatment, a report has found.

BSP is a free scheme that aims to improve people's physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing by linking them with free or low-cost non-medical support.

This is up from 200 people in 2022 and the report also found 96% of GPs in Guernsey referred patients to the scheme.

According to the report by the Health Improvement Commission, mental wellbeing, anxiety, stress and low mood were the most common reasons people were referred.

Prescribing is now available through GPs at all three local primary care groups, Healthcare Group Guernsey, Queens Road Medical Practice and IslandHealth, as well as Healthy Minds.

The five most common types of social prescribing are:

• Physical activity

• Arts, crafts & music

• Volunteering

• Community & social

• Health support

Those compiling the report spoke to people who had used the scheme - one said: "BSP has helped me a lot and brought fun back into my life.

"It has increased my self confidence and stopped me from looking at my four walls every night."