Lonely? I prescribe a coffee morning

SOME say there’s nothing in this world that can’t be solved by a natter over a cup of coffee.

And it seems the NHS agrees, as patients are being prescribed coffee mornings to tackle loneliness.

GPs are being urged to refer ‘frequent attender’ patients to activities in the local community.

Known as ‘social prescribing’, the activities can also include art classes, walking groups, dance lessons and volunteering opportunities. NHS officials say the activities can help prevent loneliness, mental health conditions, obesity and even heart disease.

They also claim the sessions boost patients’ confidence, enabling them to better take care of their own health.

Social prescribing is already offered in some areas but NHS England wants it to become far more widespread. Patients who benefit most tend to be over-65s who are lonely, depressed or suffering from longterm health conditions.

But Marjorie Wallace, chief executive of the mental health charity Sane, said: ‘While it may seem innovative to have social prescribing, we question how that will [help the situation] without extra funding and a national strategy.’

She also accused the Government of ‘dismantling’ many day centres that could have been used for social prescribing.