With new research showing that group membership can reduce GP visits, we take a look at what local people tell us about the benefits they experience from belonging to a group...
Nottingham Trent University has measured the sense of belonging that comes with being part of a community group and they found that people can experience a 25% reduction in health care use.
The link between health and social connections is clear.
"Research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, and even death" (National Institute on Aging, April 2019).
The new study by the university highlights the ways that social prescribing (referring patients for community or non-clinical support)can make a positive difference to people's lives, our NHS services, and therefore the public purse.
Our services, particularly Happy to Help and Teams and Bensham Community Care, are regularly recommended to patients by our local NHS professionals and many of our referrals are made by health workers, community nurses and occupational therapists.
Patients are referred to our charity for many reasons, such as for added support during times of change including a new diagnosis, to help with bereavement or to improve overall well-being and general health. It can also be encouraged to help carers to get some much needed respite during the day.
Our own social impact surveys with beneficiaries at our Teams and Bensham Community Care charity show the significant and far reaching benefits that group membership can have, in many areas of life. The centre hosts lunch clubs, men's groups and activities every weekday, with accessible minibus transport from home and back again to remove the barriers that older people face in using public transport.
Benefits highlighted in the surveys include:-
Increased positivity and happiness
Reduced anxiety
Increase confidence and motivation
Increased peace of mind for family
Increased self-esteem
Improved physical health
Improved diet
Positive change to mental health
Increased engagement with local support services
Increased engagement in social and community activities
Improved communication
Creation of a positive support network
Reduction in social isolation
Enabled independent living
Increased skills and peer support
Reduction in feelings of vulnerability
Here's just some of the many comments from beneficiaries explaining the benefits they have experienced since being pat of a group...
Teams and Bensham Community Care is a registered charity supporting older people in Gateshead to alleviate and prevent the ill-effects of isolation and vulnerability. For almost three decades, we have provided lunch clubs, men’s groups, art and activities every weekday in our welcoming and accessible centre for up to 25 people each day. Our on-site cooks create traditional, freshly cooked meals and desserts as well as freshly baked goods for our beneficiaries to take home. For more information, visit tbcommunitycare.wixsite.com/gateshead or call 0191 4900945.
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