Stockport trials social prescribing to improve residents’ mental and physical health

Stockport is trialling a new way of improving residents’ mental and physical wellbeing focusing on physical activity through a social prescribing scheme.

Stockport Council is delivering the Wellbeing Prescription in partnership with Life Leisure, Age UK Stockport, Viaduct Care CIC, and local GP surgeries in Brinnington and Bramhall. The prescription offers a non-medical activity-focused solution for patients and residents who may be feeling low, lonely, or in need of a lifestyle change.

One Stockport resident to have benefitted from the social prescribing scheme is Sarah, who sought help from her Brinnington GP surgery to lose weight and improve her fitness. With the support of the Wellbeing Prescription, she joined the weekly confidence walks and community gym sessions at Life Leisure, which are gentle introductions to exercise in a friendly and social environment. She said,

“I was nervous at first, but over time, I gained the confidence to walk long distances and achieve my fitness goals, which has positively impacted my weight and mental health. I feel great.”

Clrl Keith Holloway, Stockport Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said:

“The Wellbeing Prescription is a powerful tool that gives the individual the control over their situation whilst connecting them to a friendly and local support network which finds a solution that’s right for them. Supporting our partners and our One Stockport One Future Plan aims of improving wellbeing, creating strong communities, making activity and movement available to all.”

John Oxley, CEO of Life Leisure, said:

“Seeing the positive changes in people’s lives through the Wellbeing Prescription is incredibly rewarding. It’s about building relationships and supporting each other. Our role is to guide individuals into community activities, helping them overcome barriers and build confidence.”

The next steps for this trial involve expanding the Wellbeing Prescription model into Offerton. If the model continues to be successful, future plans include rolling it out across the borough.