Culture on prescription
From a video by Culture on Prescription
You may have heard of Social Prescribing - a means of enabling health professionals to refer people to a range of local, non-clinical services. Recognising that people’s health and wellbeing are determined mostly by a range of social, economic and environmental factors, social prescribing seeks to address people’s needs in a holistic way. It also aims to support individuals to take greater control of their own health.
Schemes delivering social prescribing can involve a range of activities that are typically provided by voluntary and community sector organisations. Examples include volunteering, arts activities, group learning, gardening, befriending, cookery, healthy eating advice and a range of sports.
Within social prescribing options, there are connections to art and cultural activities. People have long used arts as a way to make sense of the world, build connections and define themselves whilst benefiting from the arts’ therapeutic effects. Many of us recognise that the arts and culture can make us feel better.
Arts and culture on prescription, through NHS referral or self-referral can benefit everyone, from children to adults, older generations and families alike. In the 2017, evidence from Arts on Prescription Gloucestershire, a scheme operated by the charity Artlift, showed a 37% drop in GP consultation rates and a 27% reduction in hospital admissions. A social return on investment of between £4 and £11 was calculated for every £1 invested in arts on prescription.
Is there an opportunity here for faith groups to access funding for community arts and cultural activities e.g. drama, art, singing, etc?
Watch this 2 minute video:
Although, this material is focused on London, social prescribing has been rolled out across the country and is funded by NHS, local authorities, other funds, etc. You need to contact your local NHS Link Worker.
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From a video by Culture on Prescription, 13/02/2024