Social Prescribing Day 2022

TO mark National Social Prescribing Day 2022, Community Voluntary Services Tendring (CVST) has created a new video.

The film showcases the work of social prescribing as well as telling the stories of those helped by the support of CVST social prescribers.

In the film stroke survivor Gary Hooper explains how he met the social prescribers and thanked them for helping him overcome depression and isolation.
Gary, who is now part of the Men’s Shed at the Kennedy Way Community Garden in Clacton, said a social prescriber changed his life.
Last August the 71-year-old suffered a stroke and had rehabilitation.
He was then put in touch with a social prescriber at CVST.
Gary said: “She went through the things she could do for me such as a grab rail in the shower and stairs outside my door.
“Then she mentioned the Men’s Shed, I’d heard of them before and thought I would really love to be a part of that.
“Since I’ve been coming here it has helped in coping with depression as I’m no longer feeling like I’m on my own.
“I’ve met a lot of other people here who have suffered from depression and it’s a great meeting place.
“It’s also helped with the loneliness of being stuck indoors all the time.”
With the help of others at the Men’s Shed, Gary has been building a frame to create a new tool shed for his garden.
While there he was also signposted to Tendring Specialist Stroke Service, based in Holland on Sea, which offers support and services to stroke survivors and their families.
He added: “If it wasn’t for CVST and its Men’s Shed I would probably still be very isolated, very insecure and pretty depressed sitting at home doing absolutely nothing.
“It’s given me a purpose and there are some wonderful people here.”
Gary has spoken in support of CVST’s Social Prescribers to mark National Social Prescribing Day.
The event is an annual celebration of social prescribing, recognising link workers, community groups, and projects aimed at keeping residents healthy.
Sharon Alexander, chief officer at CVST, said: “National Social Prescribing Day gives us a chance to stop and appreciate the great benefit social prescribing has on a community and the residents.
“It’s an invaluable tool in keeping residents healthy and supporting their social needs.
“At CVST our social prescribers are linked to every GP surgery in Tendring and work with partner organisations to assist their clients as well as signpost people to services they may need.
“We love to hear stories like Gary’s where a social prescriber has helped improve their life especially when that change has come from attending one of our groups or activities like the brilliant Kennedy Way Community Garden.”
For more information about social prescribing at CVST and how to access support see our Social Prescribing page www.cvstendring.org.uk/what-we-do/social-prescribing/