Social Prescribing is Transforming Lives in Brinnington and Beyond

With the ‘Wellbeing Prescription’, they are trialling a new way of working focusing on physical activity.

Stockport Council is delivering the Wellbeing Prescription in partnership with Life Leisure, Age UK Stockport, Viaduct Care CIC, and local GP surgeries in Brinnington and Bramhall. The prescription offers a non-medical activity-focused solution for patients and residents who may be feeling low, lonely, or in need of a lifestyle change.

Residents can also self-prescribe by filling out a form and posting it at community hubs such as the library, Life Leisure Centre, and GP surgery. The prescription provides access to community services and activities through community connectors like Daniel Drayson from Age UK Stockport and Lisa Arrandale from Life Leisure.

Councillor Keith Holloway, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: "The Wellbeing Prescription is a powerful tool that gives the individual the control over their situation whilst connecting them to a friendly and local support network which finds a solution that’s right for them. Supporting our partners and our One Stockport One Future Plan aims of improving wellbeing, creating strong communities, making activity and movement available to all.”

Local Transformation Stories

Sarah sought help from the healthcare professionals at her Brinnington GP surgery to lose weight and improve her fitness. With the support of the Wellbeing Prescription, she joined the weekly confidence walks and community gym sessions at Life Leisure, which are gentle introductions to exercise in a friendly and social environment. She said, “I was nervous at first, but over time, I gained the confidence to walk long distances and achieve my fitness goals, which has positively impacted my weight and mental health. I feel great.”

Liam struggled with social isolation and motivation to get active alone. He was introduced to the community gym sessions after his mum encouraged him to get help filling out the Wellbeing Prescription. As a result, he started to feel more motivated to exercise regularly and make new friends. Liam has found a new lease on life, and he said: "The sense of community and support I've found has helped to reduce my feelings of isolation; the group are super supportive."

Ann was feeling isolated after moving to Brinnington, so she joined the free BOOST boxing sessions through the Wellbeing Prescription and found a supportive community, which has led to her feeling happy and settled; she said: “I love the BOOST boxing sessions and hardly ever miss a session it’s more than exercise it’s a family. I even convinced my partner to join me in exercising. It has made such a difference to how we both feel about ourselves and where we live.”

Daniel was socially isolated and struggling with low motivation and, through the social prescribing team, was referred to a personal contact at the community gym. Exercise has become the catalyst for creating a positive routine for Daniel. He said: “It was my first time in a gym, and I wasn’t sure, but I am pleased with my determination and progress and feel comfortable in the community gym because it’s friendly and I’m not alone in my struggles.”

John Oxley, CEO of Life Leisure, said: "Seeing the positive changes in people's lives through the Wellbeing Prescription is incredibly rewarding. It's about building relationships and supporting each other. Our role is to guide individuals into community activities, helping them overcome barriers and build confidence."

The next steps for this trial involve expanding the Wellbeing Prescription model into Offerton. If the model continues to be successful, future plans include rolling it out across the borough.

Find out more

To find out more, watch our Wellbeing Prescription video.

For more information on ways to get active, visit Healthy Stockport.