Social Prescribing

Social Prescribing Link Workers at Pioneer Medical Group work with patients in an individual way to look at what matters most to them, using foundations of personalised care to improve mental health and wellbeing.

If you don’t feel ready to book an appointment yet, here is some information to consider about what’s on offer in your local area, and what ‘wellbeing’ really means.

Ways to Wellbeing

Evidence shows us that there are clear actions you can take to boost your mood and help yourself to create positive mental health.

Connect with other people

Good relationships help to build self-esteem and opportunities to share experiences.  They form a support network.

Be physically active

This can be anything you enjoy, at any level that suits you.

Learn new skills or discover new knowledge

Learning raises self-esteem and confidence, and can help to build new friendships.

Give to others

This might be by volunteering to give your time, or small acts of kindness.  This also raises self-esteem and a sense of purpose.

Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

This can help you enjoy life and understand more about yourself.  It’s easy to get stuck worrying about the past or the future.  Mindfulness helps you focus on the present.

Information:

Try this easy, quick Mind Plan tool from the NHS which can help you to feel more in control and reduce anxiety.

Once you have your plan, you will find that there are groups and activities really near by, in Henbury, Lawrence Weston, Avonmouth and Shirehampton, which can help you get started to work on the suggestions made for you.

Try the NHS Mind Plan Tool

Lawrence Weston

The key hub for all information here is Ambition, now in their brand-new building behind Lidl.  The churches also have lots going on.

  • St Peter’s and the Rock, also by Lidl
  • The Community Church on King’s Weston Lane near Our Lady of the Rosary school
  • The Hope Church and Café on the roundabout near Oasis Academy Long Cross

Connect with other people

  • Renew Cafe at the Hope Church and Cafe, Tues 9.30
  • Coffee Morning at the Rock, Weds 10.00
  • Community Wellbeing Circle at Ambition, Thurs 10.00
  • Boing sessions for pre-schoolers at the Community church, daily in term-time

Be Physically Active

  • Circuits Class at Ambition, Tues term-times 9.45
  • React exercise; for older people wishing to maintain independence, at Ambition Thurs 2.00
  • Walking group at Lawrence Weston Farm, Weds 2.00
  • Gardening group at Lawrence Weston Farm, Fri 10.00
  • Park Run at Blaise Castle, Sat 9.00 (run or walk 5k or just watch, great community feel)
  • See our 'Meet in the Park' page for more details

Learn New Skills or Knowledge

  • Needles at Ambition, Thurs 12.15
  • Men In Sheds at Ambition, Mon/Weds/Fri 10.00
  • Community Learning often have courses available

Give to others

  • Litter picks regularly, see Ambition website for details
  • Volunteer in the outdoors, connect with nature, and help care for the animals at Lawrence Weston Farm; contact them for details 0117 938 1128
  • If you’re IT confident, you could help others to learn as a volunteer for Tea’n’Tech sessions
  • Neighbourhood Planning Group at the Youth Centre, Long Cross, last Thurs of month at 7.00

Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

Avonmouth

Avonmouth Community Centre is the place to keep an eye on! Under new management, it’s had a new lease of life and is a friendly vibrant place to be. All the below are there, unless otherwise specified.

Connect with other people

  • Community Soup, eat in or take away, Weds 12.00
  • FAB Café for older people, Mon 2.30
  • Lunch Club: two courses for just £5, Thurs 12.30
  • Toddlers group, Tues 10.00

Be Physically Active

  • New Age Kurling (indoor gentle sport suitable for all)  Mon 1.30
  • Line Dancing Weds 7.30
  • Garden Club, Tues 2.00
  • Bowling at the Bowls Club near the Rugby Club. Call 07425 847323 for more information

Learn New Skills or Knowledge

  • Art Group; bring your own project, Weds 2.00
  • Knitting and Crochet, in the Library, Mon and Thurs 10.00

Give to others

Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

  • Yoga, all levels welcome, Mon 6.00

Henbury / Brentry

Connect with other people

  • Natterbox coffee morning at Emmanuel Church, Henbury; Wednesdays, 10.30 - 12.00
  • Lunchbox get-together at Emmanuel Church, Henbury: Fridays 12.30 - 2.00
  • Bingo at Henbury Community Centre, Tuesdays 2.30

Be Physically Active

  • Henbury Walking Group; Thursdays at 9.15 from Crow Lane bus stop.  Call Mary on 0117 3776247 for details
  • Chair Yoga; Tuesdays at 11.30 at Henbury Community Centre (behind the Old Crow).  £6/session

Learn New Skills or Knowledge

  • Try the Greenway Centre, Southmead, for many options including friendly community groups, a low-cost gym and low-key technical support with your phone or laptop

Give to others

  • Why not volunteer a few hours a week to support others?

Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

Shirehampton

Don’t forget to read your The Shire newspaper, available to pick up every month all round the village, or you can see it in exactly the same format (just like the real thing) by clicking this link.

This is the key place to find out what’s going on, especially on page 2.  You’ll find there’s lots to do to suit everyone!

Connect with other people

  • Shirehampton Living Room, coffee and a chat, at the Library Tues 3–5
  • Ladies’ Choir, at the Library Tues 11 – 1
  • Welcome Space at Cotswold Community Centre, Thurs 10 –12
  • Hub’s Cups at the JTE Hub, Mon 11am
  • Shire Social Group at the Public Hall, Thurs 10am

Be Physically Active

  • Line Dancing at the Public Hall, Tues 2–3
  • Over 75s Exercise at the Public Hall, Weds 2–3
  • Pilates at the Cotswold Community Centre, Mon 9.30-10.30
  • Table Tennis at the Cotswold Community Centre, Thurs 8.00

Learn New Skills or Knowledge

  • Shire Stitchers at the Public Hall, 3rd Weds of month, 7.30
  • Family History Group at the Public Hall, 2nd Thurs of month, 6.00
  • Board Games at the JTE Hub, Tues 5–8
  • Crafting Group at St Mary’s Tithe Barn, 2nd Sat of month, 10.00

Give to others

  • Litter picks regularly, see The Shire for dates
  • Why not help keep The Shire running by volunteering to deliver it, or support the editors? editor@shire.org.uk

Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

  • Heartfulness Relaxation and Meditation at the Library, Sunday 6.30
  • Fulligrove House in Woodwell Road; beautiful gardens where you can have a cream tea and sit in peace - Find out more here. 

These are just a taster of what’s out there in our thriving local community.  If they sound interesting but you would like support to access them, please ask a member of practice staff for a referral to our friendly Social Prescribing Link Workers.