Social Prescribing 2021-07-22
2021-07-22
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from interest in how the Church of England supports social prescribing, a method to improve health and wellbeing by connecting patients with non-medical services.
What steps the Church of England is taking to support social prescribing within its communities?
The Church of England is a member of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs green social prescribing advisory board and works closely with members of the National Academy for Social Prescribing. The Church also participates in various community projects such as therapeutic gardening initiatives and cycle routes to cathedrals.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps taken by the Church of England are not clearly outlined, only general involvement is mentioned.
I Am Very Pleased The Hon. Lady Has Asked This Question Because, Like Her, I Am A Big Supporter Of Social Prescribing
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern arises over the underutilization of trained clergy and community chaplains to support overwhelmed primary care services through social prescribing initiatives.
While hospital chaplains play a crucial role in providing support within our NHS, our community chaplains and clergy are highly trained professionals and could play a far more integral role in the provision of community health, not least as primary care is completely overwhelmed currently. What further discussions have taken place between the Church Commissioners and the Department of Health and Social Care and also clergy and their local primary care networks on how they can support the social prescribing agenda in their communities?
I am grateful to the hon. Lady for praising the valuable work that clergy do in this area. Examples include therapeutic gardening projects, new cycle routes to cathedrals, and the Joyful Connections café at St Luke's church in York linked to a GP social prescribing scheme.
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Assessment & feedback
Details of ongoing discussions between Church Commissioners and Department of Health are not provided.
I Am Grateful To The Hon. Lady For Praising The Valuable Work That Clergy Do In This Area.
Response accuracy