Ealing first Social Prescribing Summit brings together local health professionals
Published on: 16th May 2022
Over 100 delegates attended Ealing’s first Social Prescribing Summit on 28 April 2022.
The purpose of this face-to-face event was to find further joint ways of working between social prescribers, link workers, the voluntary sector and other health and social care providers. Discussions about strategies and future ways of working were a key aspect of various presentations and breakout sessions.
Social Prescribing is a way of providing treatment to improve physical and mental wellbeing without necessarily needing to prescribe drugs or offer conventional interventions. It can also be complementary to other pathways. Programmes and initiatives are often provided by established community groups, particularly in North West London where active voluntary sector involvement is plentiful. The event recognised the significance of local groups.
One of the key slots at the Ealing event was about the Southall Park Run (SPR), which is organised by the local community. It is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event where participants can walk, run, spectate or participate in whichever way they see fit. GPs weren’t aware of this weekly activity before the presentation.
Mind Food holds sessions in Horsenden Lane and Hanger Lane. The organisation aims to help people to reduce anxiety and stress by teaching participants to grow their own fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers.
Other initiatives included ‘Let’s Go Southall’ which is London’s largest community cycling programme. It provides full access to accessibility equipment.
The half-day event had excellent representation from community groups that cover areas of deprivation. It took place at Ealing Town Hall and was organised as part of Integrated Care Providers (ICP) priorities Ealing initiative.
If you have any questions about the event or Social Prescribing in Ealing please contact Louise Erasmus.
