Thriving Communities Film Expressions of Interest

The North West Thriving Communities Team are looking to commission four short films as part of the North West National Academy for Social Prescribing Learning Together Programme. 

Please view the project brief calling for expressions of interest from voluntary, community, faith or social enterprise organisation operating in the North West. 

Applicants are welcome to apply to deliver one or all of the films as outlined. 

The deadline for expressions of interest in Monday 19th July. If you would like more information please email jan.campbell@seftoncvs.org.uk..

North West Social Prescribing Network Conference 2018

Join us at this free conference for anyone who wants to be involved in shaping the future of social prescribing in the North West.

Following a sequence of successful conferences and events across the North West, there is a growing movement across the region to position social prescribing as a cornerstone for creating good health and wellbeing. 

This event will build this work by bringing together people from health, local government and voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors to continue the conversation, explore the benefits of social prescribing and plan how to spread social prescribing.

Date: Thursday 13 December 2018

Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Location: Gujarat Hindu Society Centre, South Meadow Lane, Preston, PR1 8JN, United Kingdom

Key note addresses from the following:

Morning

• Dr Simon Abrams: a Liverpool GP who is convinced all GP practices should be focusing on wider determinants of health. He will explore, ‘How do GP surgeries become holistic centres for health and wellbeing.’

• Dr Tim Greenway, Royal College of GP’s North West Champion: will explore the relationship between personalised care and social prescribing

• Warren Escadale, CEO of VSNW and the NW SP Network Co-Chair: will consider ambitions for the regional social prescribing network and local strategic approaches to voluntary , community and social enterprise (VCSE) engagement

• Dr Michelle Howarth: will examine the Shape of Social Prescribing - lessons from Greater Manchester mapping and the next steps

Afternoon

• Dr Claire Stevens, dental consultant and the President of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry: will reflect on how the seemingly intractable number of North West dental cavities and tooth extractions for under fives provides a measure of the devastating impact of health inequalities for the most vulnerable members of society - our children. But can social prescribing provide a solution?

• Jo Ward, the regional social prescribing co-chair: will provide an update on the development of regional social prescribing commitments for Women’s and Children’s services post-NHS Maternity Vanguard; arguing a Best Start is pivotal in any wellbeing strategy as health inequalities won’t be impacted without addressing the social gradient in children’s access to positive early experiences

• Dave Sweeney, Executive Implementation Lead, Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnerships (STP): why we need more than medicine to drive wellbeing and recovery. As the commissioner for the Halton Cultural Manifesto for Wellbeing he will explain why cultural resources are a key element of community wellbeing

Throughout the day we will host a compelling programme of workshops in the morning and afternoon ranging from:

• An insight into the Blackburn Ways to Well-being project which supports people facing severe and multiple disadvantages to improve their well-being, and become community volunteers through the support of peer mentors

• An exploration of a dynamic partnership between a family focused , forward-thinking GP surgery and an amazing and imaginative community enterprise in Stockport which together helps make a self-fulfilling prophecy for wellbeing

• A introduction to an international research project which has generated free resources to support community integration and the promotion of health literacy, through focusing on the pivotal role of language skills (ESOL) for both mums and babies, whilst boosting attachment and bonding, all the while having an eye on perinatal mental health

• A commissioner’s perspective on why funding social prescribing in a voluntary and community context is important

And more practical examples of the value added from a ‘more than medicine’ agenda in terms of the skills and resources to deliver wellbeing.

North West Social Prescribing Network

When registering for the conference, you can also join the North West Social Prescribing Network. You will receive key information and updates on future developments. You can also join the network on VSNW’s NWSPN registration page.

You can also sign up to the network at any point by emailing england.socialprescribing@nhs.net

Please note you can unsubscribe from the North West Social Prescribing Network at any point.

Sharing details with other delegates

If you are happy for your contact details to be shared with other delegates after the event please ensure you check the box on registration. You can opt out of sharing your contact details at any point by emailing england.pcevents@nhs.net

Reserve your chosen workshops and book tickets at the NHS England Event page.

If you register for this event and are unable to attend please email england.pcevents@nhs.net as soon as possible so the place can be released for someone else.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS EVENT?

Name: Phoebe Jones

Email: england.pcevents@nhs.net

Telephone: 07730 379982

Source:: https://www.events.england.nhs.uk/events/north-west-social-prescribing-network

Countering Cognitive Decline - Awareness of Social Prescribing and Making Links

John Bews, from U3A Heswall, has been one of a small team concerned with dementia prevention and have been working on an action plan to encourage popular participation in a range of activities, recommended by the experts, that might reduce the risk of future cognitive decline. He has kindly provided this blog article to VSNW to explain further.

“My interest in this subject arises from within U3A where the National Subject Adviser on Memory and I have developed a memory workshop manual in the form of a keynote presentation which we have successfully delivered around the network. It was originally designed to be mainly educational and entertaining, but has recently gained an additional, more vital, dimension in the role of helping to counter cognitive decline. This is not only of importance to U3A members but is worthy of wider circulation to our ageing population.”

Need for action

Our journey to this point follows the increased public awareness of dementia/Alzheimer’s, with an estimated 850,000 confirmed cases in the UK, and this figure likely to increase. As you know, there is currently no cure for this condition and the race is on to find an answer. Some progress is being made and there are claims that there will be a positive solution ‘within the foreseeable future’. Neuroscientist Joseph Jebelli, in his 2017 book ‘In Pursuit of Memory - the fight against Alzheimer’s’ states, “We are closer than ever to the abolition of Alzheimer’s”.

In pursuing this investigative work to find a cure, attention has been given to the origins and cause of the problem from which it has been noted that particular lifestyles have a major influence in minimising cognitive decline. This opens up a second line of offence and introduces self-help measures to tackle the problem. Prevention is now considered to be of major importance.

Prevention

The Alzheimer’s Society says, “Delaying the onset of dementia by five years would cut the number of people affected by a third by 2030” and, “A treatment that could slow a disease like Alzheimer’s by 25% would almost halve the number of people in the severe stages of the disease by 2050.”

Numerous experts (see references below), including Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research, now recognise that engagement in particular lifestyle activities is paramount in countering the risk of cognitive decline. The Global Council on Brain Health have said, “More research is needed on the impacts that cognitively stimulating activities have on the brain, but we have sufficient evidence to conclude that it is beneficial to remain mentally active and to continue learning over the course of your lifespan”.

The range of recommended activities is broadly acknowledged by all parties but does have some variants and there is no definitive list. This is partly because the specific activities have not yet been evaluated for their effectiveness, and disparate research projects continually add their new findings to the growing accumulation of knowledge. In addition, there is a piecemeal flow of random advice in the media (See examples below) which Alzheimer’s and other experts say should be read with caution.

Refining the message

What is needed is an overview of the full range of recommended lifestyles to enable everybody to become engaged. The point here is that we are all different and, just as Dr Dale Bredesen says that there is no ‘one fits all’ solution, so there needs to be a ‘pick and mix’ choice of activities to empower people to accommodate their particular needs.

In order to assist and encourage individuals to engage in suitably effective activities, what is needed is a general understanding of the benefits of the recommended lifestyles.

In the book, ‘The Preservation of Memory’ edited by David Bruno and containing contributions from scholars of cognitive science it says, “In working with older adults, it is extremely useful to present knowledge about how memory works, and in particular, explanations about the ageing process and memory” (Troyer 2001).

U3A Memory Presentation

Our presentation endeavours to meet this need by first explaining in simple, layperson terms how the brain works in managing memory, including its strengths and weaknesses. It then utilises this information to refresh the memory process itself and make recommendations for its continued maintenance.

We have drawn on a wide collection of recommended lifestyle activities and have categorised them into recognisable groups, which we have then matched with the earlier, simple explanations as to their cause and effect on memory maintenance. This not only helps individuals understand their importance and benefit, but also empowers them to pick and mix their own selection of activities to help counter cognitive decline. “Ballroom dancing or learning a new language may be beneficial - but why is that and couldn’t I do something else instead?”

To answer this question, we have produced an action plan to help individuals identify and select their preferences. This can be used to assess an individual’s current performance level; plan for future improvement and review and monitor subsequent effectiveness. This would not only regularise and encourage a popular uptake but could provide a valuable source of data in assessing effectiveness.

Further Development

Two further elements are required:

• The extensive dissemination of the message to encourage self-help participants; and

• The comprehensive listing of organised activities and events to attract the more reticent. This would include an expansion of provision to fill gaps

Conclusion

We are not medical experts and recommend anyone with concerns about their memory to consult their GP. We are lay students (75 years plus) with a strong shared interest in cognitive matters stretching back over many years. We believe that our presentation is different from any other work on the subject, is easy to understand and could benefit a wider audience in pursuit of the ‘prevention’ target.

References and Sources

David Bruno’s book, ‘The Preservation of Memory’ says, “In working with older adults, it is extremely useful to present knowledge about how memory works, and in particular, explanations about the ageing process and memory” (Troyer 2001)

Both Dr Dale Bredesen, ‘The End of Alzheimer’s’, and Joseph Jebelli, ‘In Pursuit of Memory’ recommend these lifestyle activities as being of benefit in postponing cognitive decline.

In his book, ‘The Brain’ and TV series, neuroscientist David Eagleman concludes that the key to postponing cognitive loss is to adopt a lifestyle to include cognitive exercise such as crosswords, learning new skills, social and physical activity.

The Global Council on Brain Health - (a collaborative of scientists, professionals, scholars and experts from around the world) in their March 2017 meeting ‘Engage Your Brain’ concluded with a recommendation to, “incorporate enjoyable, cognitively stimulating activities (CSA) as part of a healthy lifestyle to help maintain your brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline as you get older”. Also - Knowledge Gaps - “More research needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms involved in cognitive stimulation. One major problem is how to measure the benefits.”

And - Conclusion - “More research needed on impacts that CSA have on the brain, but we have sufficient evidence to conclude that it is beneficial to remain mentally active and to continue learning over the course of your life span”.

Michael Mosley on TV’s ‘Trust Me I’m a Doctor’ undertook, ‘The big brain maintenance experiment’ in which he tested and recommended three lifestyles to help maintain, and even improve, cognitive skills.

Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research have publications on ‘Reducing the Risk’ which list recommended lifestyle activities.

Public Health for England PHE Report 16 June 2018:

People over 40 in England will be given advice on how to reduce the risk of dementia as part of their free NHS health check.

Daily Mail news items:

Even slightly higher blood pressure raises the risk of dementia. DM Jun 13 2018

Sleep, exercise and a wee tipple … how to ward off Alzheimer’s. DM Jun 7 2018

Eat healthily ‘to have a bigger brain and stave off dementia”. DM May 17 2018

How learning a language helps ward off dementia DM Feb 8 2018

Drug to slow dementia “just three years away’. DM March 21 2018

Now that’s clever … Being bright helps you to live longer. DM March 13 2018

What to eat to beat dementia. DM January 30 2018

Jog Your Memory With Exercise DM 30 2018

How to make sure you never forget your brolly again. Dm 12 August 2017

How to never forget where you left your keys. Dm 2 December 2017

Listening? Now you can prove it. DM 23 February 2018

Why women are not dreaming enough DM 21 February 2018

GP’s urged to prescribe coffee mornings to lonely patients. DM 21 February 2018

The Alzheimer’s Solution: DM 2 October 2017

1. How to eat to beat dementia.

2. Warning; sitting down could give you dementia.

3. How stress can shrink your brain.

4. Why a good night’s sleep is your best defence against dementia.

5. Why your BRAIN wants to be challenged.

Government Announces Social Prescribing Schemes Will Receive £4.5 million

The funding plans to allow GPs to refer more patients to social activities or other types of support to improve health and wellbeing, and to reduce demand on NHS services.

The government has announced investment plans of nearly £4.5 million to put towards social prescribing programmes that will refer patients to their local voluntary and community services, including walking groups, arts and crafts sessions or gardening activity across England.

Research suggested that social prescribing can reduce demand on NHS services: a UK study found that after three to four months, 80% of patients referred to a social prescribing scheme found that they relied on Accident & Emergency departments less, and made fewer outpatient appointments or became inpatient admissions less often.

23 social prescribing projects in England are to benefit from a share of the funding to either extend current social prescribing schemes or develop new ones.

Gardening is viewed as a form of social prescribing

Social prescribing schemes include a focus on:

• Reaching out to people who may be socially isolated, such as those with mental health problems or learning difficulties
• Providing support for those affected by health inequalities, such as transgender people or people from BAME backgrounds
• Helping people with particularly complex needs who regularly access health services

The funding will come from the Health and Wellbeing Fund, part of a programme of government investment in the voluntary sector. The projects will be fully funded through the scheme in their first year. Additional joint funding from local commissioners will be agreed for the subsequent two years.

Care Minister Caroline Dinenage commented by saying that:

"The voluntary and community sector has such a vital role to play in working with our health system to provide the kind of support that you can’t receive at your local GP surgery or hospital.

"This new funding will mean that many more people receive support that looks at their needs holistically, enabling them to live happier, more independent lives. I look forward to seeing these projects put their plans into action and provide support to hundreds of thousands more people."

VSNW manages the North West Social Prescribing Network. To become a member or discuss being a member please contact Jo Ward by email: jo@jowardchangemaker.org.uk or telephone: 07708 428096, or you can complete our registration page and sign-up online.

North West Social Prescribing Network

The North West Social Prescribing Network (NW SP Network) is part of a national network which is supported by NHS England and coordinated by the University of Westminster. In the North West it is hosted by VSNW and co-chaired by Jo Ward, Changemaker, and Warren Escadale, Chief Executive of VSNW.

Our core objective is to be at the forefront in social prescribing and we aim to:

• Engage and support health and social care leaders and decision-makers
• Develop the evidence base for excellence in social prescribing
• Build stronger working relationships between acute, primary, community and social care and effective, sustainable, local community action

Want to know more about Social Prescribing?

We have developed a set of resources. There is also an excellent article from healthcare charity The King's Fund, 'What is social prescribing', which succinctly explains the term.

Different potential sources of support for referrals

Become a member of the network

We are particularly interested in public sector leaders and decision-makers (from organisations such as the NHS, CCGs and councils), local Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) strategic leads and those running or playing a lead role in social prescribing schemes operating in the North West. Plus anyone who is advancing the evidence base for excellence in social prescribing.

To become a member or discuss being a member please contact Jo Ward by email: jo@jowardchangemaker.org.uk or telephone: 07708 428096, or you can complete our registration page and sign-up online.

Calls to action

We have two initial ‘calls to action’ for our NW SP Network members.

Firstly, we want to emphasise the importance of a ‘vibrant community’ in social prescribing. Social prescribing will be successful if it is supported by its community. And we need to understand how to drive forward this work, in particular through local voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCSE) activity.

Aligned to this, we need a clearer understanding of how we include the VCSE sector, support the right investment frameworks, and develop a social prescribing agenda that drives not only new models of care (where there's a shift in control to the public) but that also supports an effective population health agenda capable of articulating its merits to emerging Integrated Care Systems in the North West.

Secondly, we plan to adopt a regional commitment to deliver the first free social prescription to support maternal well-being and the best start in life for a child. This should engage non-healthcare sector partners in a social prescribing conversation that cuts across policy silos and draws collaborators in from across the nation. It also provides a link to a potential wider conversation with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Arts, Health and Wellbeing about alignment with their national recommendations.

Further Links

·         National Network

·         NW SP Conference 2017: presentations

·         NW SP Conference 2017: report (launched in Parliament)

·         Social Prescribing Resources

·         Biographies for Jo Ward and Warren Escadale