Social prescribing- a good use of resources?

£50,000 wouldn't actually buy many health appointments, so it could be a good use of money to improve people's mental and physical health. Another idea which I know has been successful is the provision of community allotments.

I dont disagree with the principle but several of these schemes have been tried before notably gym membership, slimming club fees etc. I dont know if the outcomes were good or not on a macro level but I have heard individual reports that they were enjoyed but I have never heard about any tangible outcomes like weight loss or improvements in well being. Its a lot of money a deal of which will go on admin as susual.

I agree with Elegran. Hopefully the opportunities will be offered to teenagers who are struggling and other folk who are falling by the wayside.

foxie48 This "social prescribing" could be an indirect help with "eating disorders, addiction, anything to do with children's mental health, coping therapies eg CBT" by giving them a project to be part of and people to work with and chat to.

I think our disconnection from nature and other humans is the cause of a number of ills.
So to spend time with other people in a beautiful setting, hopefully getting some seratonin can only help.

I think being outside has a profound impact on your health, and with so many people suffering from mental ill health at the the moment, this seems like one way of identifying people who could benefit from some enjoyment in their lives, as well as helping the Canal and River Trust in difficult economic times, which then also benefits the rest of the public using the environments they offer. So yes, I’d support the idea.

TBH I don't disagree with money being used to boost physical and mental health but I think there are services which need the money more than the Nottingham and Beeston canal. Try getting help for eating disorders, addiction, anything to do with children's mental health, coping therapies eg CBT, there are long waits for pretty much everything.