This year we excitingly became lead partners in Rochdale’s first Social Prescribing Network, working to improve health and wellbeing in the borough. Through building on our offers of support and existing services, we have welcomed new members to our Petrus team.
Including Vicky – our Social Prescribing Project Worker!
Hear from Vicky what her role involves:
Hi, I’m Vicky and my role as Social Prescribing Project Worker includes many different aspects of work.
Every day I work with the aim of improving people’s wellbeing through engagement in a range of activities such as gardening, horticulture (which is about growing and studying plants like fruits, flowers and veg to produce food, comfort, or other uses), arts and culture, crafts, walking groups and financial advice and support.
To do this, we have set up a range of projects in the community, in partnership with other local organisations and individuals who offer these kinds of activities. We work with local GP surgeries to help identify people who may need support with either their physical or mental health and then welcome these people to join activities that will be beneficial to them. These individuals can then be referred directly onto their chosen activities, some of which take place in the GP surgeries we work with.
When individuals are referred to us, we work to build up a positive relationship with them, and support them to make positive changes in their lives. These are monitored and over time, we often see great improvements in their overall wellbeing.
It’s a rewarding job and from the moment I joined Petrus, I knew that I would become part of a really friendly team that holds similar values to my own. I love that the role is different every day, giving me many experiences and opportunities to use my creative, admin and co-ordination skills, whilst supporting me to develop these further through short courses and training.
To find out more about our social prescribing offer and the work we’re carrying out with our partners in the region, contact Service Manager Rachael on Rachael.bennion@petrus.org.uk