Guernsey social prescribing scheme now available at all GPs

Queen's Road previously ran its own social prescribing programme but has now joined the island-wide scheme

Islanders can more easily access help to improve their health following the expansion of a service.

The social prescribing scheme in Guernsey pairs people who are lonely, isolated or have anxiety with community-based activities.

It is now accessible at all three of the island's medical groups' GP practices, after Queen's Road Medical practice joined the scheme.

Dr Piers Mitchell said he was "delighted" to offer the service.

As the practice's clinical lead for social prescribing he said: "People's health is frequently affected by what is going on in their lives.

"Social, emotional and practical difficulties can result in illness and social prescribing helps to address these using a variety of approaches."

Dr Mitchell added he hoped the initiative would result in "better long-term health".

Link worker manager Trish De Carteret said: "We are looking forward to being able to support more people to overcome barriers affecting their health and wellbeing within the supportive and empowering environment of social prescribing."

Under the pilot scheme, which is currently funded until the end of 2024, anyone with loneliness, isolation, anxiety, housing needs, financial concerns or dealing with a change in their circumstance affecting their health can be offered support that can include attending groups such as art, singing, physical activity or volunteering.

Nearly 400 people have been through the scheme since it launched in 2021.

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