This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (11-17 May 2026) theme, “Take ACTION”, reflects social prescribing, helping people take practical, achievable steps to improve their mental health and wellbeing through connection, community and support.
With one in five adults in England living with a common mental health issue such as anxiety and depression demand for meaningful, accessible, person-centred support continues to rise.
Social prescribing connects people to activities, groups, and services in their community to meet the practical, social and emotional needs that affect their mental and physical health and wellbeing. Social prescribers work one-to-one with patients to tailor support for those feeling lonely, anxious, isolated and struggling with mental health issues. They help people to take their first steps, at their own pace, towards a healthier, more connected life.
Below are several powerful stories demonstrating the life-changing impact of social prescribing to transform people’s lives.
The Bury GP Federation social prescribing team supports individuals with issues such as loneliness and isolation, housing, finance, bereavement, mental health, and lifestyle challenges to enable people to take greater control of their own health.
Changing lives in Prestwich and Whitefield
A team of 10 social prescribers work with GP practices across Bury, Greater Manchester. More than 5,850 patients benefitted from ‘social prescriptions‘ in 2024-2025. Elizabeth, Allison and Eulah describe how the social prescribing approach of ’talk rather than tablets’ has been “absolutely vital” in their recovery.
Eulah’s story
After a serious car accident caused by sudden blackouts, Eulah was diagnosed with Non‑Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD) and experienced up to 30 blackouts a day.
“Talking therapy helped reduce my anxiety attacks. Social prescribing support - including social drop‑ins, crafts, walking and talking groups - has also boosted my mental and physical health.”
Allison’s story
For Allison, coming to terms with disability was overwhelming.
“I have gone from an active, high-profile role working across the UK to being in permanent pain, unable to walk unaided and living with debilitating health conditions. Becoming immobile made me feel invisible. Social prescribing events and community groups has given me a purpose: a reason to leave the house, meet people, share stories and feel part of the world. It’s given me a new lease of life.”
Elizabeth’s story
Elizabeth describes the past few years as “horrendous,” marked by panic attacks, depression, anxiety and agoraphobia. She says: “I just wanted to disappear from life.”
“I went from an active life and busy career to struggling with my mental and physical health Social prescribing has been a revelation. Social prescriber, Julie Marshall, visited me and we just talked. Later she took me for walks, and helped me make a plan to improve my health and wellbeing It’s taken time, but now I can attend drop‑ins and even walk round the supermarket on my own. This may not seem much, but for me, it’s a huge step in the right direction. It feels like the world is reopening.”
Broken Biscuits: a life-saving and safe space to talk
Broken Biscuits is a weekly group which evolved from regular drop-in sessions at Church Lane Community Centre, Prestwich, organised by the social prescribing team working across Bury’s GP practices.
Paul, who attends Broken Biscuits, says “I wouldn’t be here without this group.” He says the social prescribing support and the camaraderie of a local men’s social group has saved his life.
Paul said he had been in “a very very dark place”. “I lost everything: my marriage, my career in landscape gardening, and my mental and physical health. On long-term sick and struggling with finances, benefits and housing, I just didn’t want to be here.”
Paul was introduced to Julie Marshall, part of the social prescribing team working across Bury GP practices, which he described as a “game changer”.
Julie said: “Paul admitted he was totally overwhelmed with life. I supported him with housing queries, benefits, financial commitments, plus health and social service appointments. Introducing him to the community sessions at Church Lane which led to his happy involvement with Broken Biscuits has been a joy to witness!”
“I feel as though I’ve found a very special place with a great group of people. Everyone has their issues – whether they’re bereaved, lonely, anxious, have health issues – and we’re all a bit broken. Despite this, we all laugh a lot and leave feeling lighter and brighter. It’s the perfect medicine to boost your mental health. The group itself is simple: We have a brew, a biscuit, a laugh, and just talk rubbish for a few hours!”
Ken is in his 70s and one of the founding members of Broken Biscuits. He said: “Talking helps. We’re not mental health gurus, or a group created to support a particular health need. We just offer people somewhere to go and a safe space to say as little, or as much, as they want.”
Having lost his wife, Kath, in 2024, Ken described the group as a “lifeline.” He added: “We all check in on each other. It’s a real support network.”
Mick agrees. The former veteran is more than 80 months sober and struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), epilepsy and anaemia. He said: “We’re all a little bit broken, but the benefit of having a welcoming group – whether we want to talk or not – cannot be underestimated.”
Steve was widowed after more than three decades of marriage to Renée. He says: “I was lost when my wife died. I still am really. The loneliness is brutal and everything seems a bit pointless. This group is great. It’s a chat – whether it’s about what’s on, football, life, or our struggles – and it’s a relief because so often men bottle everything up.”
Ken from Prestwich added: “We might all be a bit broken, but we’re not out of the game just yet. Talking helps.”
Take ACTION to support mental health
These stories highlight the importance of social prescribing in supporting mental health. So, during this week’s Mental Health Awareness Week take ACTION to learn more about social prescribing support for mental health and wellbeing.
Learn more about social prescribing in Bury via the Bury GP Federation website
Watch NASP’s recent webinars:
With thanks to Bury GP Federation for sharing these powerful stories, and all social prescribers working to provide mental health support.
