Social prescribing for young people
Do you want to know more about social prescribing? We have 2 different areas that we offer, working in slightly different ways, but both here to support you.
Social prescribing for young people is a healthcare approach through non-medical interventions that aims to support the mental, physical and social wellbeing of young people. It involves connecting young people with community resources, social activities, and other non-clinical support services that can help them to address issues that affect their wellbeing, such as stress, anxiety, loneliness, or lack of physical activity.
Social prescribing for young people recognises that many of the factors that impact their health are not medical in nature, but social and environmental, and therefore require a more holistic approach. By providing access to activities and opportunities, young people can benefit from increased social support, sense of purpose, and improved mental and physical health.
What is social prescribing?
What does Space offer in terms social prescribing?
At Space our Social Prescribing services exist to connect young people to groups, activities, and community resources, this could be to something, social, sporty or arty, volunteering, advice or a counselling service. The service is a place for young people to talk about their goals, any challenges or barriers. The worker would then advocate for the young person and support them to access the support, groups, people etc that could help them to achieve their goals. It is also important to remember that Social Prescribing often goes by other names including Community Connecting and Link Working but offers the same support.
We currently work in partnership on two Social Prescribing Projects in Devon:
Young Person Community Connectors - Coordinated by Wellbeing Exeter, and delivered in partnership by Space and Young Devon. For more information on this service please visit the Wellbeing Exeter website.
Exeter
Young Persons Link Workers - Commissioned by the Culm Valley Primary Care Network and delivered by Space in partnership with Young Devon, this service is available to any young person aged 11-18 registered at one of Culm Valley PCN’s surgeries, referrals are currently via the GP practice only. For more information visit Culm Valley Youth Forum.
The Culm Valley
Testimonials and case studies:
“You gave me the push I needed. I wouldn’t have done a lot of the things if I didn’t come here. I wouldn’t have applied to OU.” - Female 18 yrs.
“I was terrified about opening up but you gave me a safe place where I could open up and I knew I had help. It made a huge difference and has really helped me, thank you.” - Female 14 yrs
Lucy 15 was referred to a Link Worker and CAMHS by her GP due to her anxiety and low self confidence. Working together with Lucy we supported her to share her feelings with her Mum and to develop a plan of what she needed if feeling low at home. We also managed to link her into Counselling at school. Lucy loved dance but had not been able to do this for several years, so we linked her into a local dance group and attended the first session with her to help her to feel more confident.
Case study:
