As a community music charity with health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do, celebrating Social Prescribing Day is really important to us. Why? Because Social Prescribing changes lives for the better!
What is Social Prescribing?
Sometimes, problems just can’t be solved by doctors or medication. However, other interventions can help to make a difference by empowering people to manage their circumstances positively and effectively, to help them connect with others and to grow in confidence.
Social prescribing begins with a referral from a GP, hospital, charity or other organisation to a Social Prescribing Link Worker, who will identify the best activity to follow in order to improve the wellbeing of a person. These activities are typically:
· Advice and Information
· Arts and Culture
· Heritage
· Natural Environment
· Physical Activity
How does Social Prescribing help people?
Stress, anxiety, isolation, long-term health conditions – these are examples that can be alleviated by a form of Social Prescribing.
Prescribed activities can offer a person empowering practical and emotional support, provide a sense of inclusion and build their confidence too, resulting in improved health and wellbeing.
Does Music24 facilitate one of these prescribed activities?
Yes! We fall under the Arts and Culture prescribed activity. For the last ten years, we have seen the benefits our innovative work brings to people who are socially isolated or who live in ill health and/or with a disability. Singing, dancing and making-music in a safe, non-judgemental space with our trained staff and friendly volunteers, boosts mood, creativity and connection. Through the power of music, we help people to live well and feel better.
Ask your Hertfordshire/Bedfordshire based GP about Social Prescribing and Music24.
