Award for the Best Physical Activity Social Prescribing Project Award - Social Prescribing Awards 2024
In January 2022, Wesport was commissioned by Bristol City Council to lead a city-wide physical activity social prescribing project, aiming to address health inequalities worsened by the pandemic by increasing access to physical activities for Bristol residents.
Partnering with Knowle West Healthy Living Centre, Southmead Development Trust, and Wellspring Settlement, Wesport embedded three Physical Activity Link Workers (PALWs) into local Social Prescribing teams. These PALWs encouraged residents, many engaging in physical activity for the first time, through activities such as paddleboarding, wild swimming, yoga for anxiety, and chronic pain support groups.
By hosting PALWs within community organisations, the project effectively engages individuals from wards where there are higher levels of deprivation, enhancing their understanding of local needs and opportunities. They also are able to connect participants to services like employment support, Green Social Prescribing, and addiction services, expanding the referral network beyond the health sector.
One participant shared, “It made a huge difference to have someone encouraging me to try something new. Becoming more active and socially engaged has improved my physical fitness, mental wellbeing, and sense of purpose.” A local GP added, “I genuinely wouldn’t be able to support as many patients without this service.”
The project's impact is significant: over 800 referrals were made, with 61% of individuals becoming more active and 88% reporting improved mental wellbeing. Despite initial funding ending in September 2023, the PALWs' continued presence highlights the project's success and the need for such initiatives.
The 2024 Social Prescribing Awards hosted by the Social Prescribing Network, National Academy for Social Prescribing and the College of Medicine recognise and celebrate the wealth of innovative social prescribing projects and schemes running throughout the UK and internationally.
