Call for Humanities researchers who may be interested in Social Prescribing
TORCH is looking to bring together researchers from any Humanities discipline, who are interested in any aspect of social prescribing.
Our aim is to then connect this group from Humanities with the wider University Divisions, and Museums and Galleries who are already collaborating on related research projects.
If would like to add your name to the list, please send us the following information to Dr Justine Shaw – justine.shaw@humanities.ox.ac.uk
by 10th June 2019.
Name and position
Faculty
Area of related research that is of interest
------------------------
Social prescribing, sometimes referred to as community referral, is a means of enabling GPs, nurses and other primary care professionals to refer people to a range of local, non-clinical services.
Recognising that people’s health is determined primarily by a range of social, economic and environmental factors, social prescribing seeks to address people’s needs in a holistic way. It also aims to support individuals to take greater control of their own health.
Social prescribing schemes can involve a variety of activities which are typically provided by voluntary and community sector organisations. Examples include volunteering, arts activities, group learning, gardening, befriending, cookery, healthy eating advice and a range of sports.
There are many different models for social prescribing, but most involve a link worker or navigator who works with people to access local sources of support. The Bromley by Bow Centre in London is one of the oldest and best-known social prescribing projects. Staff at the Centre work with patients, often over several sessions, to help them get involved in more than 30 local services ranging from swimming lessons to legal advice.
Social prescribing is designed to support people with a wide range of social, emotional or practical needs, and many schemes are focussed on improving mental health and physical well-being. Those who could benefit from social prescribing schemes include people with mild or long-term mental health problems, vulnerable groups, people who are socially isolated, and those who frequently attend either primary or secondary health care.
Further information on Social Prescribing available here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/social-prescribing/
