Social prescribing scheme launched

Mayor Billy Sheerin at the launch of Social Prescribing

The Centre of Wellbeing, Training and Culture (CWTC) launched its social prescribing scheme at Apna Ghar, Unique Enterprise Centre, Rochdale on 17 July.

Social prescribing is a way for local agencies to refer people to a link worker. Link workers give people time, focusing on ‘what matters to me’ and taking a holistic approach to people’s health and wellbeing. They connect people to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support.

The scheme has been launched in collaboration with local communities, health services and the CWTC to work collaboratively with local GPs and community link workers for patients, carers and service users from across the borough.

The event was held to create awareness of dementia, mental health and support services provided in the area, highlighting the importance of working together with local health services and professionals to listen to the views and experiences of service users.

Guest speakers included Rachel Volland from Dementia United (Greater Manchester Health & Social Care Partnership), retired GP Dr Abdul Saeed, who spoke about the mental health crisis, Saeed Anwar who explained NHS care complaint procedures, Mohammed Sarwar, CEO of CWTC, and Robina Khan, a community engagement worker on the launch of the social prescribing programme.

Kanis Chowdhury gave her experience as a carer for her grandmother and D. Kaur gave her experience as a carer for her mother.

Mr Sarwar said: “The event was attended by the diverse community who felt that they gained knowledge about dementia and mental health and particularly about different choices available in the community to improve their health and wellbeing.

"It was also felt that there was a great need for the Asian community to learn about the health issues and how to access services."