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13 August 2008

New 'social prescribing' website for patient support

The first website in the UK which puts hospital patients in touch with non-medical organisational support within their community has been created in Bolton

The NHS social prescribing community initiative includes exercise or arts on prescription, referral to community-based self-help groups, befriending schemes and volunteering opportunities. It also includes support with benefits, debt, legal advice and parenting problems.

The website was designed for REAL Bacup, a not-for-profit organisation funded by East Lancashire Primary Care Trust (PCT).

Major benefits of social prescribing include improving mental health, a reduction in social isolation, and better general community well-being.

More PCTs and health authorities across the country are considering implementing a similar scheme.

For the full article, go to The Bolton News