Social Prescribing

What is Social Prescribing?

Social Prescribing is a non-clinical intervention that takes a holistic, person centered approach to health and wellbeing. We understand that taking care of your self at university can be difficult, and that factors such as your lifestyle and feelings of social connectedness can contribute to good wellbeing.

Our team of Social Prescribers can support you to identify your individual needs and goals. We can connect you to groups and activities at university and beyond that can help you to improve your mood. We offer up to 6 sessions with a Social Prescriber, who will support you to engage in these activities and to take care of yourself.

What can social prescribing help with?

  • Meeting new people and feeling more connected at university
  • Being more active and leading a healthier lifestyle
  • Finding a sense of purpose
  • Exploring interests and hobbies
  • Getting to know Manchester

What are the benefits of Social Prescribing?

  • Improved mental and physical health
  • Meet new people and feel connected to others
  • Learn a new skill or participate in a new activity
  • Increase self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Better quality of life
  • Get involved and connected to your community
  • Feeling more in control of managing your own health and wellbeing

How can I access Social Prescribing?

To work with a Social Prescriber, you need to book a First Steps Appointment here. You'll speak to one of our Triage and Support Practitioners and can tell them that you're interested in Social Prescribing. Alternatively, if you are already accessing support from the Counselling & Mental Health Service, your practitioner can book you in for a Social Prescribing appointment.

We also run a weekly drop in session for students who are interested in learning more about Social Prescribing and ways to feel more connected at university. This takes place every Wednesday between 1-3pm in The Atrium (1st floor of University Place) during term time only.

Social Prescribing Events

The Social Prescribing team run events and workshops across the year that you can get involved in. Keep an eye on this page, as well as the @uomwellbeing instagram page

Drop In Sessions

If you're interested in finding out more about social prescribing, or want some quick, confidential advice on how to get more involved at uni, then come along to our weekly drop in session. The social prescribers can help you find societies, volunteering opportunties and other social activities that can help you meet new people and feel better at university. The drop in takes places every Wednesday (during term time) from 1pm-3pm in The Atrium, University Place.

The Green Wellbeing Project

The Green Wellbeing Project is a weekly wellbeing-focused lunchtime gardening club in Fallowfield. We will meet at the garden from 11:00 – 13:00 where we will volunteer in a small friendly group, learning how to grow things and look after the garden together. Jobs will be varied and will depend on group size and the weather. This project is all about trying some slow, happy, healthy gardening together – a chance to get some time away from any personal or university related stress.

There is no commitment required and you can drop in for as many or as few sessions as you would like. We aim to create a warm, laid back and welcoming environment for those who might need it, and there is no pressure to return every week. We will enjoying watching the garden and plants grow and develop with every session.

If you feel like is a project that will benefit you or if you would like to know a bit more, you can contact Amelia (amelia.hart@manchester.ac.uk).