Social prescribing is… helping people live the best lives they can

Social prescribing can play a crucial role in improving health and wellbeing, nationwide.  

Social prescribing is… practical and emotional support.

Link workers listen to people and try to understand their situation, and what matters to them.

They then “link” that person to organisations and information that can help.

There are also other people in the community, including charity workers, youth workers or faith leaders, who can identify people who might need support and help them connect to relevant activities, groups or services.

“It’s about hearing what people’s concerns and frustrations are, and really helping them to navigate the situation. Making a plan to go forward. Helping them put their life back together.” – Gay Palmer, Link Worker

Learn CPR in 15 Minutes

RevivR is a free, interactive, online CPR training course run by the British Heart Foundation. In just 15 minutes, you can learn how to save a life and receive your very own CPR certificate. It couldn’t be simpler – you just need your mobile phone or tablet and a cushion to practise on.

Start your online training here.

Appeal for volunteer patient transport drivers

St John Scotland Ayrshire & Arran is currently seeking volunteer drivers who could offer a few hours per week of their time to transport dialysis patients to and from the renal unit at University Hospital Ayr.

This new initiative is completely free for patients, who are referred to St John Scotland by NHS Ayrshire & Arran. Volunteer drivers, using their own cars, will collect passengers from their homes in Ayr (initially) at a pre-arranged time, taking them to the hospital and returning them home afterwards. All mileage costs will be paid by St John Scotland.

If you are interested in this rewarding role, or if you have any further questions, please contact Colin McCormick, Patient Transport Lead, by emailing Colin.

Benefits advocacy from Voiceability

Voiceability is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services.

It works with all kinds of people of all ages, with many of its services being specifically for people with long-term conditions such as mental health conditions, dementia or a learning disability.

One of the services provided by the charity is social security benefits advocacy.

NAADP Development Day

North Ayrshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (NAADP) will be hosting a development day on Wednesday 29 March in Saltcoats Town Hall to have conversations with people with lived/living experience, families, community members and staff who work across statutory and community/third sector organisations providing support.

The purpose of the day is to:

• Share information about the Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP).
• Have a conversation with our community and staff about what the main areas of focus should be for the ADP.

A limited number of places are available and you can book your place online.

If you’d like any further information, please contact adp@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

Mindfulness & Meditation Group, Beith Community Centre

Mindfulness & Meditation Group, each Wednesday 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Beith Community Centre. The group involves a mixture of mindfulness and meditation. Come in something comfy, bring a blanket and pillow (or a garden recliner if you’d prefer) and just lie back and chill out for an hour. Cost is £5 for 1st session. Contact purplepoppyscotland@gmail.com for more information. https://www.facebook.com/PurplePoppyGillian

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