Cumberland Council is celebrating National Social Prescribing Day next month.
The council’s team will be at Millom and Maryport libraries on Thursday 26 March, between 11am and 2pm. They will explain more about this vital service, as well as offer a cuppa and a chance to take part in wellbeing activities.
Social Prescribing connects people to groups, services and activities to help improve wellbeing. This helps people address issues such as loneliness or inactivity which, if left, could require medical intervention further down the line.
Anyone can attend the event, find out more about the service and take part in activities.
At Maryport there will be health checks, digital support, mindfulness activities, and tips from the Samaritans on self care. West Cumbria Society for the Blind will also be showcasing vision aids.
At the Millom event, there will be health checks, games and other activities such as seed planting with the Growing Well team.
Other support services will be on hand at both events to describe how their work can directly help people improve their lives.
Cumberland Council’s Director of Public Health and Communities, Colin Cox, said: “Social Prescribing is invaluable in helping people keep healthy and engaged with their communities.
“Our Community Connectors can support people directly, or refer them to Joy, an expansive online directory of local groups, services and activities. If we empower people to make their own changes, the effects can be transformative.”
The council’s social prescribing team can be contacted at [email protected]
The Joy directory of services, community groups and volunteering opportunities can be found at: services.thejoyapp.com
Other organisations attending the Maryport event include: Andys' Man Club, The Centre, Women Who, Citizens Advice, Growing Well, Always another Way, Nic's Voices, Lakes College, Green Doctor, Cumbria Gateway, Age UK, Hospice at Home, Better, and Ability Net.
Other organisations attending the Millom event include: CADAS, Adult Learning, Shared Lives, United Utilities, People First - Cumberland Collective, Future Proof, Take Charge, and Cumbria Health.