Social Prescribing

This week the government is launching a new trial for GPs to issue social prescriptions including walking and cycling, helping to improve the mental and physical health of people across England. 

Social Prescribing has been used very successfully here in Copeland and both Cumbria County Council and Copeland Borough Council have worked with the Cumbria NHS to support it in the county

• Walking and cycling have many benefits – improving air quality in our communities, reducing congestion on our busiest streets and boosting mental and physical health so we can ease the burden on our NHS.

• That is why this week sees the launch of a nationwide trial that will see GPs offering social prescriptions including walking and cycling – backed by £12.7 million in funding that will go towards pilot projects including adult cycle training, free bike loans and walking groups.

• By getting people moving more through trials like this one, we can improve their health and reduce stress, prevent illnesses including heart disease and obesity, ease the burden on the NHS and save money for the taxpayer by making people healthier.