The Health Improvement Commission has been given £270,000 to continue the Bailiwick Social Prescribing scheme, following a successful pilot scheme.
Health and Social Care said it decided to continue the funding, which will cover staffing and operational costs, after seeing the trial’s positive impact.
The Bailiwick Social Prescribing (BSP) Scheme connects potentially isolated islanders with community activities and services, in order to address any social, emotional, and practical needs that may be impacting their health and wellbeing.
Following the move from trial, to funded scheme, Dr Simon Sebire, HIC CEO said they’re now recruiting for a link worker and a part time administrator to continue that work.
“We are delighted that Bailiwick Social Prescribing now has secure funding and can continue to provide impactful support to people to improve their health and well-being.
“Social prescribing recognises the importance of the social causes of our health and the valuable contribution that non-medical community-based activities and support can make to improving personal, social and community well-being, and the challenges the Bailiwick faces in terms of an ageing population and increasing demand on health services.”
Over the past four years more than 1,000 people have been referred to BSP, with 96% of local GPs referring patients in that time.
HIC says the data shows a reduction in GP appointments for those engaging with the scheme.
Dr Louise Brook, of St Sampsons Medical Centre is among those supporting the scheme.
“I am delighted to hear this news,” she said. “BSP is a fantastic scheme that provides islanders with support for a huge range of issues and works alongside medicines to improve both physical and mental wellbeing.”
It helps looks to help people by providing ‘Link Workers’ who offer personalised support to access various groups and services, including physical activity, arts, volunteering, and support for issues like housing and finances.
The scheme’s four year development was enabled by funding from various organisations, including the Guernsey Community Foundation, whose Director and Chief Executive is Jim Roberts.
“It’s fantastic that the future of Bailiwick Social Prescribing has been assured thanks to the States’ decision to assume responsibility for funding. Back in 2020, the Foundation recognised that it was unlikely that the States would pay for a new and untested social prescribing scheme, and so we decided to finance a multi-year pilot designed to answer questions about social prescribing’s effectiveness.”
“The pilot would have been impossible without the Health Improvement Commission, and without Public Health lending their support and expertise along the way. This is an excellent example of the charitable sector and the public sector working together.”
Deputy Marc Leadbeater, Vice-President of the Committee for Health & Social Care said HSC is delighted to be able to support the scheme’s ongoing work.
“The Committee for Health & Social Care is pleased to be able to continue to support the Bailiwick Social Prescribing scheme following what has been a successful pilot. This partnership working with the charity sector is helping transform how we manage health and wellbeing from a focus on ill health to a wider consideration of what constitutes better health for islanders.
“I would like to express my appreciation to the team at Bailiwick Social Prescribing, the Health Improvement Commission, the Guernsey Community Foundation and the Social Investment Fund for their invaluable contribution in establishing this programme. I am confident that this scheme will continue to enhance the health and wellbeing of islanders for years to come.”