Nearly 1000 people have benefitted from a wellbeing service across Eden, Keswick & Solway in its first year.
The service, which is part of the Integrated Care Communities, recognises that people’s health is affected by a range of social, economic and environmental factors. Taking a social prescribing approach, it helps to connect people with voluntary organisations and community resources to support their non-medical and psychological needs.
Amanda Riley, Practise Manager at Birbeck Medical Group in Penrith said: “The Living Well Coach has become an integral part of the team here at Birbeck Medical Group. They have so far provided a number of our patients with the skill and confidence to make the necessary behavioural changes to improve their health and quality of life.”
The service runs various groups that are open to adults living in Cumbria. These include a healthy choices group that covers all aspects of creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A psychological wellbeing group that supports people with mental health conditions to effectively manage their wellbeing.
These groups are ever evolving and we are always looking for ways to develop them. Simon Coe, living well coach and leader for the men’s group said “I enjoy being part of a patient’s journey and being able to use my skills to coach the patient to make positive changes to their wellbeing.”
After receiving coaching from Simon, a patient said they wished they could ‘photocopy’ him so everyone could have him to help them.
You can book onto any of our groups by visiting Eventbrite where you can find a list of all our current groups. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/north-cumbria-wellbeing-service-26470411849
Or you can Emailing WellBeing@cumbria.nhs.uk or call 01768 245954.
To access one to one coaching you can contact your GP who will refer you through the Living Well Coach for your practise.
Further information:
An integrated care community is where teams work together to improve the overall health and wellbeing of their community. This is done by:
- Joining up health and care services to work better together
- Providing more care out of hospital where possible
- Supporting people to have information about their health conditions
Health and social care professionals, GPs, the voluntary and third sector along with the community will work as one team to support the health and wellbeing of local people.
North Cumbria has been divided into 8 ICCs based on groups of GP practices and their patients.
By understanding the challenges that each area faces, it is hoped that the community can work together with health and care organisations to improve the health and wellbeing of local people.