Celebrating Social Prescribing Day in Lewisham
Wednesday 19 March was National Social Prescribing Day and Lewisham had a double celebration with two separate events, bringing together Social Prescribers and residents for this annual celebration.
On Wednesday 19 March all Social Prescribers Link Workers supporting Lewisham Primary Care Networks spent time together at the Waldron Wellbeing Centre. Bria McCalman, Social Prescribing Lead at Lewisham Health & Care Partnership, organised the event to celebrate their work and learn new opportunities to support patients. The programme was focused on Creative Health. Social Prescribers took part in workshops with Trinity Laban and heard from Sydenham Gardens about the power of green social prescribing. Lewisham Libraries shared with the group services available and the benefits of reading for wellbeing.
Bria said ‘Social Prescribers can really make a difference to every patient’s life, by signposting to local activities or groups to support them physically and emotionally. I truly appreciate everyone who came along and participated to the event, as well as those who assisted in making the day possible.’
On Thursday 20 March a second event led by Community Connections and Age UK was held at the Lewisham Irish Centre in Catford. On the day residents got access to arts and craft activities and information to support their health and wellbeing including Lewisham Local, SELCE, Legal advice, Irish Community Centre, Together, Community Connections Lewisham and Department of Work and Pensions. The day linked with St Patricks celebrations and the venue was full of colour. Every Thursday from 10.30am-12.30pm the Irish Community Centre opens its doors to the community offering information and support.
Abbi Greene, Director of Lewisham Services at Age UK Lewisham & Southwark, attended the event: ‘it’s great to see the benefits of social connection when the community spend time together. Having a regular presence and easy access like the one we see today offers a reliable opportunity for residents to join whenever they need, to get more confident, or simply just connect with new friendships in a familiar place’.
For information and support with accessing local groups and services in Lewisham, please call Community Connections Lewisham on 0330 058 3464, open Mon-Fri 9:30am – 4pm (*except on Thursdays when it is open 2-4pm only), or visit their website.
See how Community Connections can support Lewisham residents on this video