Life changing social prescriptions are boosting health in Bury

Ninety-year-old Maureen Coope from Besses o’ th’ Barn said that ‘social prescriptions’ to regular groups and activities in the community has given her “purpose” and helped her mental and physical health. She said: “Loneliness can be tough. Everyone needs somewhere to go and the opportunity to talk to other people. No-one wants to spend hours starring at walls, dozing or watching TV. Being active keeps me young!”

Stephen Finneran, from Prestwich, was referred to the social prescribing team by his GP while struggling with the mental and physical impact of Long Covid. Suffering severe fatigue and battling to breathe, he was unable to work or enjoy his normal active lifestyle. He said: “My life was taken from me and I felt socially isolated.”

Supported by Julie Marshall, one of 10 social prescribers working across GP practices in Bury, Stephen – a keen sportsman – was introduced to ‘walking tennis’ last summer. He said: “Being able to play a sport I love at a pace I could cope with was the perfect medicine for me. I felt brighter, met new people, and began to return to ‘normal life.’”

Prestwich patient, Paul O’Brien, describes social prescribing as “life-saving.” Years of complex health issues led Paul to “a very, very dark place.” He said: “I lost everything - marriage, career, mental and physical health - and I just didn’t want to be here.” Social prescribers supported Paul with housing and benefits issues, financial concerns, health and social service appointments, and introduced him to Prestwich’s Church Lane drop-in sessions. He said: “It’s been a game-changer. Social prescribing has been a life-saver. I’ve been listened to, helped, and I am also part of a mutually supportive men’s group which has been a real boost to my wellbeing and quality of life.”

In 2024/2025 more than 5,850 patients across Bury benefitted from social prescribing and a recent study* estimates 1.3 million people a year across the country are referred to social prescribing by their GP.

Introduced as part of NHS policy in 2019, social prescribing is a personalised approach that connects people to activities, groups, and services in their community to address the social, emotional and practical factors which can affect peoples’ health including loneliness, anxiety, bereavement, isolation, employment and housing issues.

After both his wife and daughter died, James Bentley moved in with his granddaughters. The 83-year-old former surveyor is diabetic and says being part of community groups and activities has helped his health and wellbeing. 

After a career working across the world as an engineer including in aerospace and defence, Steve Byrne, is part of the social prescribing drop-in group offering walks, activities and advice. He added: “Retirement can be tough. You suddenly stop work and the days seem long. It’s important for your mental and physical wellbeing to embrace new experiences.”

Dr Kiran Patel, Medical Director with Bury GP Federation and a GP Partner at Tower Family Healthcare, added: “Patients often visit GPs with non-medical reasons which have a considerable impact on their health and wellbeing. More than half (56%) the patients referred in 2024/2025 were struggling with social isolation and loneliness which can lead to physical and mental health issues. Social prescribing enables GPs to refer patients with complex needs which cannot be simply treated by medicine. Social Prescribing Day celebrates the work of this service once a year, but every day the team is making a tangible difference to patients’ lives and empowering people to improve their own health.”

Social Prescriber, Julie Marshall, works with Prestwich GP practices. She added: “It’s a privilege to support so many lovely people. Every person has different needs – loneliness and anxiety, bereavement, physical and mental health issues, worries about debt or form-filling for benefits and jobs – and we’re here to help.”

Patients can self-refer to the service or be referred via their GP practice. The social prescribing team works with VCFSE (voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise) groups and has established multiple drop-ins across the borough to support peoples’ health and wellbeing.

Added Julie: “Every ‘social prescription’ is tailored to a person’s needs and the non-clinical approach – talking rather than tablets – is changing lives for the better.”