Hants & IoW Social Prescribing Network Webinar 27 September 2023

On Wednesday 27 September 2023 c72 people attended the Hants & IoW Social Prescribing Network’s (HSPN) Webinar ‘Social Prescribing & the Prevention Agenda’.

After new and existing HSPN members & guests were welcomed, Tim Houghton, Community First’s Chief Executive, started by providing a community & voluntary sector update including information relating to mental health and Adults’ Health & Care, details of an Independent Living Conference, Safeguarding training, and the NHS Support Scheme. Tim concluded by reviewing some current funding opportunities.

Kirsty Robertson, Head of Operations, Motiv8 began by describing Moti8’s vision, mission, and values. She explained the geographical areas covered and the organisational structure. Kirsty provided examples of why children and young people need support, what is provided by Motiv8 and their preventative approach. The presentation also highlighted Motiv8’s mentoring support, 5 Steps to Wellbeing, their target group work and community provision, concluding with their 3 strategic aims.

Lucy Coates, Community Spirit Coordinator, Gosport Voluntary Action (GVA) explained what GVA’s Community Spirit is, how it is accessible and inclusive. Lucy went on to describe who Community Spirit’s members are and the wide range of voluntary community activities and projects they currently undertake. Finally, the preventative aspects of Community Spirit were demonstrated, particularly around mental health prevention – this was illustrated via an inspirational short video interview with ‘Anthony’ a Community Spirit member. (NB the short video can’t be viewed via the Webinar recording, but it can be viewed vie the Webinar PP pdf.

Next, Jo Potz-Rayner, Health & Wellbeing Coach, Rural West Primary Care Network (PCN) described what health coaching is and how it improves a patient’s overall health and wellbeing – physical, mental and social wellbeing. It is a person-centred approach in a safe confidential space. It enables people with long-term health conditions to decide what changes they would like to make, by sharing ideas, information & increasing self-awareness, and self-management. This prevents their health/MH from deteriorating, improving quality of life and also, reduces costs &/or time pressures re the health service.

Finally, Emily Khural, Health Officer, Energise Me, introduced the new ‘national revolution’ entitled ‘Live Longer Better’. Emily described why it is so important to keep moving in later life? The fact that loved ones and carers can sometimes be ‘risk averse’ and ‘care too much’ was highlighted as being available via a YouTube video. Emily then shared some insights around the importance of physical activity and taboos around key conditions often associated with older people. The presentation concluded with examples of how to support others to live longer better, including the new Live Longer Better website.

An engaged audience added observations &/or questions via ‘Chat’. The next Hants & IoW Social Prescribing Network face to face Networking & Showcase Event will be on Thursday 2 November 2023, 9.30am-1pm. Please contact Jane Bray – healthforums@cfirst.org.uk to register if you are not an HSPN member and would like to attend &/or be kept up-to-date.