(2018-02-18) Tango Classes Ukulele Lessons The Rise Of Social Prescriptions

Tango classes, ukulele lessons: the rise of “social prescriptions”

Social-prescribing schemes, in which doctors refer patients to non-medical treatments, are catching on, says Marie Polley, co-chair of the Social Prescribing Network of health workers and academics. That is partly due to recognition that some long-term conditions, such as diabetes, can improve with lifestyle changes. Last year Sadiq Khan, London’s mayor, included the idea in his health plan for the capital. (Wellness)

All general practitioners (GPs) in Gloucestershire can now refer patients to a social-prescribing service.

One common prescription is for more exercise.

Many social-prescribing initiatives are aimed at mental-health patients. In Cambridgeshire and Cornwall, Arts and Minds, a charity, runs weekly workshops, part-funded by councils, where patients can sketch and sculpt.

Wellbeing Enterprises, a social enterprise near Liverpool, helps to organise activities including ukulele lessons and tango classes for patients referred by GPs. One group formed a choir. The programme relies on funding from the NHS, National Lottery and local councils. But it more than pays for itself, says Mark Swift, the outfit’s boss. He claims that the project saves the public purse over £10 for every £1 spent, mainly in forgone treatment bills.