Alison’s social prescribing story

In this blog, we speak to Alison* about how social prescribing helped her.

If you would like help with your health and wellbeing, our social prescribers can work with you to create a personalised social, rather than medical, prescription.

They can help you develop achievable goals, kick-start old hobbies, and connect you with community services, so you can feel more in control of your life.

To get support, complete our online form, ask your Community Housing Officer, or call us on 0300 555 6666.

We first reached out to Alison after she spoke to a colleague about moving house.

At the time, she was suffering from severe postnatal depression and anxiety after having her baby. Her chronic illness was also having a big impact on her physical and mental health.

Although she had a good support network, she felt doctors wouldn’t make time for her, and her postnatal depression was particularly misunderstood.

She said: “I was in the midst of it all and I couldn’t see a way out.”

After seeing the impact Alison’s chronic illness was having on her mental and physical health, our social prescriber Michelle encouraged her to start an NHS chronic pain management course.

Through this course, Alison has learnt ways to reduce her pain, got out of her flat more, and met other people who understand her struggles.

She said: “I usually get quite nervous in group situations, but Michelle came to the sessions with me which made me feel more comfortable.

“It’s been great having someone to talk to other than my partner and my little boy.

“Michelle really listens, and she never judges- I know I can always go to her when I need somebody to talk to.”

Alison encourages anyone who may be struggling to find someone they trust, whether it’s a friend, family member, or social prescriber.

Looking back on where she was, Alison says her mental health has been transformed.

“I know now I deserve to be a mum, and I deserve to be here.”

*Alison’s name has been changed