WNE partner featured in BBC mental health documentary
Published On: 5th February 2021
The pioneering social prescribing work of the Bromley by Bow Centre, a key WNE partner, has been featured on BBC1’s ‘The Truth About… Improving Your Mental Health.’
Broadcast on 20th January, the programme identified how social prescribing can help people experiencing loneliness and associated mental health issues. Presenter Professor Tanya Byron visited the Bromley by Bow Centre to find out more about social prescribing, how it works and what impact it can have on loneliness and mental health.
Professor Byron spoke to Bromley by Bow Centre social prescribing practitioner Layla and community member Christine about the ways social prescribing supports people, giving them time to explore their situation and discuss next steps before connecting them with community services, activities and groups for longer term support.
Christine was referred to the Centre’s horticulture group by her social prescribing link worker as a way to help her cope with the loss of her husband and resulting isolation and depression. She is now a regular attendee and much-appreciated member of the gardening group. Christine helps to keep the Centre’s park looking beautiful and is looking forward to getting her gardening gloves back on in 2021.
Well North Enterprises Chairman Lord Andrew Mawson is also the Founder and President of the Bromley by Bow Centre. He was part of the team that pioneered social prescribing at the Centre over 20 years ago.
“We led the way on developing a totally new approach to tackling ill-health and supporting people to live happier, healthier lives,” says Lord Mawson. “The BBC documentary demonstrated that listening to people, understanding the complex factors affecting their lives and finding a personalised solution can have a significant impact. Research has shown, but more importantly practical and lived experience also suggests, that individuals can flourish though developing meaningful relationships and new skills, reducing the need to go to the GP or A&E by as much as 30 per cent.
“I’m very proud of what the Bromley by Bow team has achieved, and it’s fantastic to see their expertise showcased on national television. We’re also using some of their insights in our work with Well North Enterprises clients, as we help communities to improve their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing for the long term.”
Find out more about the Bromley by Bow Centre