whg has launched a new social prescribing service in an effort to ensure its customers can achieve good health and wellbeing.
The ‘H Factor’ programme (which stands for Health, Hope and Happiness) provides customers with the support of a Social Prescriber who will work alongside them to improve their health and wellbeing.
whg says it has recognised that many illnesses are not necessarily fixed by medication or a visit to the GP, and that sometimes people just need the contact of others.
whg’s new team of Social Prescribers will work with customers, listening to their hopes, aspirations and what they enjoy about life and they will use this to create a bespoke social, rather than medical, prescription.
This may include helping customers to develop new friendships in their local community, kickstart old hobbies that haven’t been enjoyed in a while, and increasing access to new activities and experiences.
All of this is designed to build confidence and self-esteem, which has been shown to reduce the need for medical help.
To date, whg says customers have benefited from befriending services; activities such as arts and crafts, music, film, and book clubs; counselling and support groups; volunteering opportunities; and emotional support provided through regular wellbeing conversations.
Connie Jennings, head of Health and Wellbeing at whg, said: “We are proud to be more than a landlord and are always looking for new ways to improve outcomes for our customers and make a real difference in our local communities.
“Now, more than ever, many people are finding life a challenge with an increase in people feeling anxious and low and struggling to feel focussed and positive.
“This can have a huge impact on health and wellbeing – and that’s where our new social prescribing service comes in.”
Jennings continued: “Social prescribing can be useful to many people – those that may feel isolated or lonely, have long term health issues or have complex social needs affecting their welfare.
“This service will find ways to support customers’ needs in ways that works for them, with the aim of improving health outcomes, reducing health inequalities, and reduce demand on the health and social care system.”
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