A special exhibition will take place on Tuesday 31 August at 501 Endike Lane from 10am-2pm to promote Unity in Community’s social prescribing network.
As part of the NHS Social Prescribing initiative, Unity is one of the local groups providing a range of activities and events for residents of Orchard Park and North Hull Estate, in the HU6 postcode area.
At the event, representatives will exhibit and demonstrate a range of sessions including; fitness and exercise, cooking, creative writing, arts and crafts, walking groups and more.
Social prescribing works for a wide range of people, including those with long-term conditions, mental health issues, people who are lonely or isolated, or those with complex social needs which affect wellbeing.
Dennis Woods, General Manager at Unity in Community says: “The exhibition gives a nod to the past, when local women in headscarves, supporting one another through thick and thin. Unity in Community supported a group of local residents to participate in the city-wide project supported by Liz Knight and Frances Kelly from Hull Timebank.
“The residents reflected on their families and how they used head scarves as part of their employment and the symbol of going to work. Everyone has produced some amazing examples for the exhibition.
“Not even a global pandemic can shatter the strong sense of community in HU6 and we hope that our exhibition instils confidence in local people who have been frightened to leaves their homes. All of our sessions will follow covid guidelines.
“Social prescribing is a key component of the care system. Local agencies refer individuals to a link worker who dedicates time to focus on what matters to a specific individual. It takes an holistic approach to health and wellbeing, connecting people to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support.
“Link workers also support existing community groups such as Unity in Community, to be accessible and sustainable, working collaboratively with all local partners.
“Understandably, during the pandemic we have seen a large proportion of residents who’ve become too frightened to come outside. People who were sociable pre-pandemic have become isolated and those who were already isolated have become hard to reach.
“We invite local residents to come alone or with a friend to find out what exciting sessions we have on offer.”
When social prescribing works well, people are referred to link workers from a wide range of local agencies, including GPs, pharmacies, multi-disciplinary teams, hospital discharge teams, allied health professionals, fire service, police, job centres, social care services, housing associations and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations. Self-referral is also encouraged.
A standard model of social prescribing has been developed in partnership with stakeholders, which shows the key elements that need to be in place for effective social prescribing.
Trained social prescribing link workers will be present at Unity’s Headscarf Exhibition 31 August 2021. Light refreshments will also be available.
For more information, please call 01482 852292 of find Unity in the Community on social media.