Published: 09/03/2023
A NEW online video, launched today (Thursday), celebrates the support for residents in Copeland.
Copeland Council has launched the video on national Social Prescribing Day, demonstrating the impact it can have on people’s health and wellbeing.
The council’s social prescribing team aims to support residents by signposting them to community groups and services.
The council will also be running a social media campaign over the coming days to highlight the work of the team.
Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: “Often people turn to medical services when in need of help.
“Social prescribing is another way of tackling problems such as loneliness, isolation, low level mental health issues and more, that avoids the need for medical intervention.
“Treating the problem at the source, by helping with socialising, finances, or housing, can prevent or help alleviate symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
“Since its inception in September 2020, our team has supported hundreds of residents to access services."
The video further explains the social prescribing service in Copeland, showcases the team and provides examples of how social prescribing has helped residents.
Dan Davey, volunteer and service user, said: “During the Covid pandemic, my mental health took a turn for the worse. I was suffering with depression and anxiety.
“I was having my own troubles and I’d heard about Mind ya Marras through the social prescribers. So, I came down and started using the service, and they helped me massively. I got loads of advice from different people and they’ve sorted my life out really.
“As a result, I’ve then ended up volunteering and wanting to give back.”
It also highlights the Warm Wellness Hubs run by the team and partners, and the Joy App which contains a directory of local services that residents can refer themselves to, through the app.
Residents can watch the video at https://youtu.be/RLvtLtIgqis.
The Joy App can be downloaded from www.thejoyapp.com and Copeland Council’s social prescribing team can be found at https://services.thejoyapp.com/en/listings/808-copeland-borough-council-social-prescribing. Residents can also get in touch with the team at social.prescribing@copeland.gov.uk.
