The council has delivered life-changing support to 1126 residents since its social prescribing service launched on 1 September 2023, significantly improving their health and wellbeing.
The dedicated social prescribing team provides a blend of holistic support, directed support, and signposting to relevant services, ensuring that anyone needing support receives the right level of care to meet their unique needs.
Support has been provided for money worries, mental health support, social isolation and overall health and wellbeing.
Overall, clients saw a big boost in positivity with 82% saying their wellbeing had improved, and feelings of loneliness dropped dramatically, with nearly 80% of participants feeling less isolated and over half reporting a significant reduction in loneliness.
One resident who accessed South Ribble’s social prescribing service said, “The team went above and beyond to help me access the resources I needed.
“I’m so grateful for their guidance and kindness.”
The service championed by South Ribble Borough Council has been part funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The fund is a multi-billion-pound initiative aimed at boosting economic growth and reducing inequalities across the UK.
Councillor Aniela Bylinski Gelder, Deputy Leader of South Ribble Borough Council said, “The results we have seen so far have been amazing and I am so pleased that we were able to support over a thousand residents with issues such as such as social isolation, mental health challenges, and access to essential services.
“The investment from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has allowed us to continue to deliver a service that not only changes lives but also strengthens our community.
“As we look to the future, we are committed to building on this success and ensuring that even more residents can receive help from the life-changing support social prescribing provides.”