"I shocked myself," says local resident Jane Bertinshaw, who has turned her life around by accessing the Social Prescribing Service at Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Eighteen months ago, Jane was isolated and lonely but after contacting the Trust’s Social Prescribing Team she has met new people, grown in confidence and tried new things.

Jane (pictured) says: “I was very shy and lonely and when I first contacted the Social Prescribing Team I thought the only thing I could manage was a walking group.

“Those first few steps became bigger and bigger – I’ve now been sailing, tended an allotment and even tried art and design!”

Jane finds it difficult to meet people in groups, but the Social Prescribing Team have helped to build Jane’s confidence.

“I would definitely recommend the service, it has given me something to look forward to and a sense of routine as well as trying something new,” Jane said.

Social prescribing connects people with activities and opportunities within their local community. It is a non-medical approach that helps people to focus on the things that are important to them and enables them to set their own goals. Tameside’s Social Prescribing Service is provided by Action Together.

Karen James OBE, Chief Executive of Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS FT said: “As we know, our local communities in Tameside and Glossop have a wealth of resources to support people to feel connected, access the support they need and better manage their health and wellbeing.”

Individuals aged 18 years or above, who either live in Tameside or who have a GP in Tameside, can access the Social Prescribing Service through referral either made by a professional in Tameside or by the person themselves.

Self-referral can be made into the social prescribing service using an online referral form or by calling 0161 830 6833 or emailing socialprescribing@actiontogether.org.uk 

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