As of Wednesday 15th May 2024 I have been in post for 8 weeks. Time has flown by, but at the same time it feels like I have been with 3SG for a great deal longer. The team have
welcomed me with open arms, and it is a privilege to be a part of such a great group of
people. I knew within my first week that I had landed a great opportunity.
The role has certainly been a steep learning curve, but a curve I have enjoyed climbing. I
have lost count of the number of individuals/organisations I have met (reconciliation TBC). A
couple of weeks ago it was 60+ so this gives you an idea of the number of engagements I’ve
had in my short time here. Everyone I have met has been excited about the project, and this
has given me an energy and a purpose to make a difference in this space. A big thank you
to all of you.
The Social Prescribing (SP) project aims to:
• To create a vision for SP within B&NES.
• Develop a framework and/or strategy including communications
• Demonstrate impact / outcomes on the effectiveness of SP
• To be flexible to the need as the project progresses.
In early May the project’s steering group met for the first time at Keynsham Civic Centre. I
presented to the group on progress to date, strengths of the existing offer and what
challenges and areas of improvements stakeholders have suggested. The conversation
certainly did flow, and people provided some great insight into their experiences within this
space. We all acknowledged that this area of work is challenging and the landscape Is highly
complex. There is an abundance of activities, yet public infrastructure and individuals
confidence/anxieties can hinder attendance and throughput. A buddy system was discussed
as a potential solution, and this will form part of the next meeting’s discussions. As a group we were also fortunate to hear from a researcher at The University of Bath, who outlined their current research and plans moving forward. This is a great opportunity for collaboration
between research and the great work happening on the ground. I will keep people updated
with any progress.
On reflection, I have grappled with the term ‘Prescribing’, as I feel it doesn’t provide people
with a ‘choice’. If we are promoting person centred support, I do feel people need support to
make decisions for themselves. On this subject, I have a draft definition that I would love to
hear your feedback on:
I’m not suggesting we change the term ‘Social Prescribing’. I’m just suggesting an alternative
that resonates with people better, and certainly doesn’t confuse people. What word/s do you
associate with ‘prescribing’?
I have also been fortunate enough to be invited to other projects/events. Recently I attended
the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) workshop as part of the Twerton &
Whiteway Community Network. It was an amazing chance to meet so many great people,
and Cormac Russell, the workshop lead, was inspiring. You can watch his TedX Exeter talk
here. I’m excited to see how this progresses within the community.
In addition, I attended St Monica’s Impact Alliance meeting in late April. The vision is ‘To
make loneliness a stranger’. There were some great presentations, and discussions
throughout the evening. I have a further meeting next week, so again I will update you all
next time. Hopefully this will include some time frames for when funding applications will be
open; fingers crossed.
Thanks again for all your engagement. Let’s help give people the best chance of living their
best lives.
If you would like to get in touch with David about anything Social Prescribing related, please email david@3sg.org.uk
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