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So what exactly is ‘Social Prescribing?'
Social prescribing is a way of linking primary care patients to sources of appropriate, non-clinical support in the community. Improving your lifestyle can be very challenging and people often feel daunted at the prospect of change and not sure where to start. Social prescribing can help empower these people and give them the confidence and support necessary to make and sustain a change.

There is a fantastic range of activities and organisations in the local community and social prescribing is all about linking people to these opportunities with the aim of improving their health and wellbeing.

Some examples of gentle mobility and flexibility exercises that you can do in the comfort of your own home.
Information about the new Help at Hand app, which highlights the local services on offer to help people cope during the pandemic

Help at Hand App

The Help at Hand App provides you with easy access to the latest support services available in St Austell, by telephone and online.
This App is available via the App Store (iPhone, iPad) or Google Play (Android).

The App and most of the services listed on it are completely free of charge.

Please share with your friends, family and work colleagues. We aim to make sure all these support services are available to everyone. 

Below are some example pages from the app.

Heart of Cornwall Health Walks

Heart of Cornwall Health Walks is a walk scheme based in the St Austell area. It is coordinated by St Austell Healthcare and the Eden Project.

There is no need to pre-register - just turn up at the meeting point 15 minutes before the walk start time and introduce yourself to the walk leader.

Dogs on short leads are welcome.

For walk dates and routes please visit the Walking for Health website.

In collaboration with GLL Leisure, St Austell Healthcare have started a new Health Walk:
Dates:    Every Monday from 26th February 2018
Time:     10:30am
Venue:   Polkyth Leisure Centre, Carlyon Road, St Austell,  PL25 4DB
Grading: Level 1 walk
Meet at the Polkyth Leisure Centre Cafe.
The walk is flat and on paths. It lasts approximately 20 minutes and is open to all. This walk will ideal for those who enjoy a more gentle, shorter walk.
Please contact Hayley Burgoyne for more information on hayleyburgoyne@nhs.net.

Support Groups in the St Austell area

Diabetes Support Group
Meets:   1st and 3rd Monday of the month
Time: 10:15am - 11:15am
Venue: Bridge 49 - Next Door to Mount Charles Methodist Church, Victoria Road, St Austell, PL25 4QF
Free car parking

Affinity Group
Join us for a cuppa, share experiences, meet others, and feel supported & understood
Meets: 1st and 3rd Monday of the month
Time: 11:30am – 1:00pm
Venue: Bridge 49, Next Door to Mount Charles Methodist Church, Victoria Road, St Austell PL25 4QF
Free car parking

Mental Health Support Group
Reaching out to people with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression
Meets: 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Venue: Tesco Training Room, Tesco, Daniels Lane, St Austell PL25 3HT
Free car parking

For all of the above please contact Hayley Burgoyne for more information on hayleyburgoyne@nhs.net

Social Prescribing Case Studies

Horticulture Week Custodian Award

Congratulations to the Social Prescribing programme working in partnership with the Eden Project. The Custodian Award recognises the work for the community, with activities including walking groups for patients with diabetes, COPD or cardiac conditions and therapeutic horticulture programmes for people with anxiety and depression. There is a Walk and Talk Lunch Club for those over 65 years old to help to prevent loneliness and isolation.

Read more about the Custodian Award here.

If you are interested in, please ask reception to ask you to the social prescribing list. Our social prescribers will talk to each patient individually to make sure that they link you to the most suitable activities or groups.

Cymaz Music are launching a Singing for Health programme in Cornwall in partnership with St Austell Healthcare, the NHS and Merlin MS Centre (funded by The Lottery and the Postcode Lottery). The first element of this to launch will be a Singing and Mindfulness programme to promote positive mental health and well-being.

Weekly online sessions will be available to those living in the St Austell area and online resources will be available to all.
If you are interested or would like to know more please contact Cymaz Music by email: emily@cymazmusic.org.uk.