Welcome to the first 2022 edition of the Social Prescribing newsletter!
If you have any colleagues or contacts that you believe would benefit from this newsletter, please ask them to contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to be added to the subscription list.
In this edition of the newsletter:
- DoH and Cornwall Council VCSE Partnership Scheme
- Social Prescribing Day 2022
- The ORANGE BUTTON Scheme
- Injection of Nature
- SUPPORTING YOUR MENTAL WELLBEING
- Free mental health training for all working people across Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
- Dates for the Diary
- Social prescribing network meeting
DoH and Cornwall Council VCSE Partnership Scheme
Social Prescribing update
Building on the success of the Social Prescribing Link Worker role from the Public Health & Department of Health project since 2018 and consequently the role out of Social Prescribing through NHS England funding, we are delighted to announce from Public Health and the Voluntary Sector Partnership, that from 1st April 2022, six new full time Social Prescribing and Community Development Workers posts will be funded through Public Health for 12 months.
These new, innovative posts will be place based in the communities across the six areas (old district council areas) in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The new posts will have flexibility to deliver community-based activities including HOPE (Helping Overcome Problems Effectively). Taking a whole family approach, the roles will aim to support children, young people and adults through community development social prescribing activities. These posts aim to build capacity and support the wider social prescribing scheme in many GP practices and to engage with local communities.
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR FURTHER UPDATES!
We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible online for the Cornwall SP Network meeting on Wednesday 16th March 4pm – 6pm, where we shall be focusing on a social prescribing strategy for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. This will focus on the following questions to beginning to develop the strategy:
- Suggestions for title and strapline for the SP strategy for Cornwall & IOS.
- What are the aspirations and key points for a SP vision for Cornwall & IOS.
- Who should the strategy be aimed at and what are the target groups? (e.g. commissioners, providers, service users)
- What is the key target/s for social prescribing and/or what are the main strategic intentions falling into the following areas:
- Scaling Up Communities Centered Approach.
- Involving Communities.
- Strengthening Local Communities.
- Sustaining Communities.
- How will we deliver these strategic intentions?
Julie Pollard, Social Prescribing Coordinator
Social Prescribing Day 2022
Social Prescribing Day was on 10th March this year.
Let us know what you did for to celebrate by using the hashtag #SocialPrescribingDay on social media.
The ORANGE BUTTON Scheme
People who are struggling with mental ill health, having thoughts of suicide or worried about a friend or family member can now 'push the button' when they see someone displaying a distinctive orange badge and ask for information and support.
The Orange Button is worn by people who have undergone mental health first aid or suicide prevention training. While they are not able to counsel people, they can help others find relevant services.
Since launching in October over 300 people have signed up to be Orange Button holders and help to sign post people to the help they need.
Find out more about the Orange Button Community Scheme here: www.cornwall.gov.uk/orangebutton
Injection of Nature
In October 2021 we saw the launch of the COMF 2 (Containment, Outbreak, Management Funding) to create blue and green opportunities throughout Cornwall. The aim was to help those struggling with their mental health by getting outside and connecting with nature.
The Injection of Nature project provided opportunities between 6 organisations - please contact them direct for more information or to make a referral:
- Newquay Orchard - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 01637 877182
- Cornwall Wildlife Trust - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Battling On - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 01579 384798
- Eden Project - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 07525 805045
- Nature Connects - Sarah 07767 427968 Alice 07576 748450
- Chaos - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
There is still time to refer on to the wonderful opportunities available through the Injection of Nature project. 
SUPPORTING YOUR MENTAL WELLBEING
Cornwall Council and the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Health and Care Partnership have a series of mental wellbeing guides.
These guides are available on the Cornwall Council website.
Free mental health training for all working people across Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
A new online mental health training package is now available for all working people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to help them cope with the stresses and strains of the pandemic.
Developed in collaboration with Public Health and NHS Kernow, and hosted by the Sound Doctor, the package includes three modules covering psychological first aid, mental health and trauma awareness.
The training package has been designed to help working people with their own wellbeing, but also to give them the confidence and skills to help colleagues and create a more supportive workplace.
The pandemic has had a significant impact on both employers and employees across the county as they deal with issues such as furlough, working from home, staff sickness and business closures.
The Sound Doctor online training aims to help people:
- Understand how someone’s lifestyle and workplace can affect their mental health.
- Learn how to recognise signs of stress, anxiety and depression.
- Learn how to manage stress and anxiety effectively.
- Discover useful and practical coping and relaxation techniques.
- Understand the role of trauma in mental health and how to manage it.
- Become happier and more productive at work and at home.
Dates for the Diary
16 March 2022, Cornwall Social Prescribing Network Meeting - online - from 4pm to 6pm
10th and 11th March 2022, International Social Prescribing Conference
18th and 19th May 2022, National Association of Link Workers annual conference in London
Social prescribing network meeting
16 March 2022
4pm - 6pm
ONLINE
Please book your space if you haven't already done so using he link below.
Come and join us for the first network event of 2022, hear from the Director of Public Health and updates from other professionals in the world of Social Prescribing. The main focus of this meeting will be to look at and discuss the Social Prescribing Strategy for Cornwall. Please take some time before the meeting to consider the following questions:
- Suggestions for title and strapline for the SP strategy for Cornwall & IOS.
- What are the aspirations and key points for a SP vision for Cornwall & IOS.
- Who should the strategy be aimed at and what are the target groups? (e.g. commissioners, providers, service users)
- What is the key target/s for social prescribing and/or what are the main strategic intentions falling into the following areas
- Scaling Up Communities Centered Approach.
- Involving Communities.
- Strengthening Local Communities.
- Sustaining Communities.
- How will we deliver these strategic intentions?
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ALL ON SCREEN