Sligo people encouraged to sign up for social prescribing

SLIGO residents are being encouraged to sign up for social prescribing to help them get back on their feet.

Loneliness, anxiety and depression can affect a person to the point where they become withdrawn and rarely getting out.

Social prescribing refers people onto to various social groups to help them improve their mental health and to make new friends who have similar issues.

A spokeswoman for the HSE said: “Social Prescribing has become very popular in recent years.

“We all know people who would like to get out more or become more involved in their community but just don’t know where to start or even have the confidence to get started.

“Social Prescribing is the ideal programme for that person. It is proven as a great way to improve a person’s health and wellbeing. It is free of charge and suitable for over 18’s.

“With Social Prescribing, health and wellbeing is looked at holistically and the focus is on increasing a person’s social health through community involvement. People who would benefit most from attending social prescribing are people who might feel lonely or isolated, anxious, new to an area or may have just lost confidence to get more involved in what is going on locally.

“When you sign up to attend social prescribing, a link worker will meet with you free of charge and discuss ways to enhance your life.

“Together a wellbeing plan is prepared and the link worker will motivate and support the person to achieve these changes.

“The social prescription varies from person to person with activities such as walking groups, park run, community gardens, adult education, employment support, men’s sheds, woman’s groups, bridge clubs, book club, self-help supports like meditation, yoga, breath work, stress control, living well the list is endless.”

Social prescribing is funded by the HSE and is available nationwide.

If you would like to attend you can contact the local link worker directly yourself, or you can ask your GP or health care professional to refer you. For more details, contact Sligo link worker; Loretta McLoughlin, at the Sligo Family Resource Centre, on 071 9146315 or email: lorettasfrc@gmail.com