Social Prescribing
Social Prescribing is a free service provided by The Oasis Partnership, Chesham.
What is Social Prescribing?
The role of a Social Prescriber is to connect people to activities of interest and practical advice in their local community. Bringing people together is a fantastic way to build friendships, develop skills, improve health and boost well-being.
There are lots of groups in and around Chesham, it’s just a case of finding the right one for you! Our Social prescribing service can introduce you to activities and groups including walking, meditation, music, baking, gardening and painting.
A social prescriber can also direct you to people who offer advice on practical issues including finances, housing, addiction recovery and employment support.
Watch Zoe our social prescriber explain more about social prescribing here:
Anyone can benefit from social prescribing, but it can be particularly helpful if you experience:
- loneliness & social isolation
- long term health problems
- mental health difficulties
- physical ill-health
- recovery from substance misuse
- long covid
- complex social needs
Equally, you may be someone who just wants to get more involved with their local community.
Anyone aged 18+ in Chesham and surrounding areas (including Missenden, Amersham, Beaconsfield and the Chalfonts) can self-refer. Simply complete our online referral form.
You’ll be invited to meet with Zoe, our social prescriber for an initial discussion. This can be over the phone, online or in person.
This discussion is an opportunity to get to know you and involves Zoe asking a few questions about your current circumstances. She will then work with you on developing a well-being plan which may include:
- Setting goals such as going for a daily walk, joining a club, learning a new skill or contacting an old friend.
- Suggesting groups and activities that match your interests.
- Making referrals to organisations for counselling, employment support or substance misuse services.
We understand that the thought of joining new groups can cause anxiety. In some cases, the social prescriber can accompany you to the first session to help alleviate those concerns or worries.
We’re focused on you as an individual and having community-centred approach. We find out what matters to you to improve your overall health and well-being, build confidence and reduce GP visits. Research shows that social prescriptions are effective at helping people get better and feel better faster than those treated with medicine alone.
For further information please contact Zoe Sole, Social Prescribing Project Worker, on 07563 394180 or email zoe.sole@oasispartnership.org
You may wish to listen to more information about our Social Prescribing Model. The ‘Let’s Be Frank’ podcast was produced in the Frank Hodge Podcast Studio, Chesham.
To read about our project and find out about our first 12 months, please see a copy below. For full-page view, click in the right hand corner of the page. You can also download a copy by clicking the download button – top left.
All projects:
A copy of our current leaflet – July 2022.
