In a recent Guardian article, GP Ann Robinson shares her views on how ‘social prescribing’ – the prescribing of hobbies and social activities – can complement or even substitute medical prescribing to support people with dementia.

She said: “It feels churlish to challenge the concept of social prescribing. How can anyone argue with the value of music playlists for people living with dementia? Or dancing for those at risk of falls? Or cookery classes for the lonely? Certainly our conventional medical model can’t solve the growing problems of diabetes, obesity, stress and loneliness. Psychosocial problems underlie around a quarter of consultations that GPs like myself conduct every day.”

This story is of particular interest to our team as social prescribing is due to launch in Empowered Conversations’ home city of Salford – meaning GP patients can expect to receive more information and referrals to community groups and services that will support them to live well with their health conditions.

Empowered Conversations training has seen the difference that community-based, non-clinical support can make by giving carers of people living with dementia the opportunity to share experiences, build friendships and share support with one another – read the experiences of carers who have attended our course here.

Read the full article from Ann Robinson here.