Our Impact 2020 – 2021
Health & Wellbeing
2442
People's wellbeing supported
by our Social Prescribers
Our successful and expanding community Health and Wellbeing team delivers a range of projects and services to promote community wellbeing across North Bristol.
As the Pandemic has further exposed the challenges of a health system already overstretched, we have considered deeply the health needs of our community and how to build long term health and resilience.
8200
Visits to our exercise classes
both online and in person
We are building partnerships, connections, opportunities and purpose to improve wellbeing through a holistic, person centred and preventative approach.
Our role is vital because as we have established relationships with all GP practices, adult social care services and our community, we can quickly identify those at risk, link up services, and be a trusted and known source of advice and support.
30
Free of charge exercise classes offered
and still on offer
This year we have:
- Supported 2442 people through our social prescribing team, and expanded the service
- Provided free courses to support mental and physical wellbeing including ‘managing stress and anxiety’, ‘mindfulness’, and a healthy food course
- Helped more than 150 residents to access weekly groups to increase wellbeing and reduce isolation – these include an arts group, walking groups, creative writing, dancing, board games and card playing, and outdoor swimming at Henleaze Lake
39
Isolated residents supported to connect with neighbours
and to receive 1-1 support from regular visits and calls from volunteers
“Over the past seventeen weeks my zoom classes have seen 2500 attendees. We have battled lockdown and stayed physically and mentally healthy. The numbers and sense of community are remarkable. We have welcomed newcomers and supported each other.
“We have sung happy birthday, celebrated mile stones, and offered support and kindness for those who have lost jobs, missed weddings, observed funerals of loved ones from cemetery car parks, and been devastated by only seeing their first-born grandchild through a window”
Paula Whatman, Senior Fitness Instructor
150
Residents have accessed weekly groups
for arts, walking, creative writing, dancing, board games and outdoor swimming
This year we have:
- Pioneered the launch of a children and young peoples’ social prescribing service
- Supported 39 isolated residents to connect with their neighbours and to receive 1-1 support through regular visits and calls from volunteers
- Delivered 18 mental health awareness training workshops to equip local community groups
- Established exercise and music on referral services
18
Mental Health awareness workshops delivered
to equip local community groups
Gill's Story
Gill was referred to us just before Lockdown. She suffers from several health conditions including Spinal Poliopathy, Type 2 Diabetes, Asthma, Depression and social anxiety. She also was undergoing treatment for cancer.
Through-out lockdown we supported her with telephone befriending, weekly doorstep visits and home visits from a volunteer.
We have helped Gill access a mobility scooter, a healthy eating programme, and an arts group. Gill has now produced art for a window display at the Greenway Centre and donated two pieces of art work to thank the NHS and the community.
She is now looking forward to getting out and about and contributing more to her community this year.
