Social prescribing

As NHS England suggest
“Social prescribing involves helping patients to improve their health, wellbeing and social welfare by connecting them to community services which might be run by the council or a local charity. For example, signposting people who have been diagnosed with dementia to local dementia support groups.”
“Social prescribing”. NHS England. Retrieved 8th February 2024
NHS England » Social prescribing

Access Your practice or PCN social prescriber – self referral

If in post, you can access a social prescriber either attached to your practice or primary care network (local group of practices your practice is part of). Further information on how to do this, if available, look on your practice website under the page “Contact details and self-referral” (see in section “in practice self referrals”).

Access a local social prescriber if your practice social prescriber is not available – self referral

If a social prescriber is not available through your GP practice or PCN then you can contact connection support who offer a similar service.

From Connection Support
Prevention matters is a free service in Buckinghamshire that can help introduce you to local support and community groups Prevention Matters | Connection Support

SUPPORT FROM THE COUNCIL AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS

From Buckinghamshire Council

• The Buckinghamshire online directory provides a large data base of activities, groups and services near you catering for everyone. Many people find the social interactions more important than the activity so do not worry if you cannot find the exact activity you want, it is always worth trying an activity out. Also, you can go anywhere in Buckinghamshire for many of the activities rather than just in your local town. Find activities, groups and services near you | Buckinghamshire Council

• Over 50 walks across the county every week. Volunteer leaders are there to help you walk at your own pace, so there is no need to worry about being left behind, lost or feeling left out. Simply walk | Buckinghamshire Council
• I feel lonely I feel lonely | Care Advice Buckinghamshire

From the Family Information Service
Things to do for families in Buckinghamshire Things to do | Family Information Service

From Visit Buckinghamshire
Activities which families could do in Buckinghamshire
Family Fun Attraction – Family Fun – Visit Buckinghamshire

From Buckinghamshire Mind

• Peer Support Groups Buckinghamshire Mind – Peer Support Groups
• Physical Activity Buckinghamshire Mind – Physical Activity
• Creativity and Art Therapy Buckinghamshire Mind – Creativity and Art Therapy

Walking and other exercise groups

Local walking and other exercise groups can be a great source of social interaction. There is more information under

• Exercise

Other activities

There may be other local activities which have not been included on this page which can be found under

• activities and services

BEFRIENDING AND PRACTICAL HELP

Befriending services can be of huge help:

From Age UK Buckinghamshire
Befriending plus: matching trained volunteers to older people who have limited social contact Befriending plus

From the Royal Volunteering Service
Provide practical help and companionship including with social activities Help Supporting People | Home Support | Royal Voluntary Service

From Reengage
In most cases, their services are for people aged 75 and over. “Our group and one-to-one activities will help you expand your social circle in a friendly, safe environment.” Join a group Social activity groups for older people & befriending service

Volunteering – HELPING YOUR COMMUNITY AND YOURSELF

Volunteering can make a big difference to your community but it can also be a great way to meet new people.

From Community Impact Bucks (Provider of the volunteer centre for Buckinghamshire)
I want to volunteer I Want to Volunteer – Community Impact Bucks

There is also more information on volunteering in the services section under

• Volunteering Opportunities

EDUCATION CAN BE SOCIABLE AND PROVIDES A NEW FOCUS

There are many group learning activities locally for all ages which can be found under

• Adult Education

Befriending

From Buckinghamshire Mind
For adults
“Our Befriending service offers short term support to adults in Buckinghamshire who are lonely or isolated as a result of mental illness.”
Befriending Buckinghamshire Mind – Befriending

Peer Support

From Buckinghamshire Mind
For adults
“Peer support groups offer the opportunity to socialise and take part in activities with people who share similar experiences.” Includes one group that supports people who are currently experiencing mental health difficulties and another group which supports people in recovery from mental health difficulties.
Peer Support Peer Support Groups – Bucks Mind

Local Community

On linked practice websites under the page “local community and health campaigns” links have been included to social activities for all ages in the vicinity of the practice.

Local Parish Councils in Buckinghamshire

Your local parish council website will often provide information on social activities for all ages in the local area. The main parish council local to your practice will have been included on your practice website under “local community and health campaigns”. However, it is possible, particularly if you live on the boundary of the practice, that you may benefit from looking at what is available from other local parish councils. Buckinghamshire Council provide a list of all the Parish Councils in Bucks including if available their website.

• Parish councils contact details – Modern Council