Our new patient portal is now available! Book an appointment easily online.
Login patient portalRush
Go to main contentGo to footerGo to accessibility settings
AND Call us Menu Close
Home Patient information Lifestyle Wellbeing on prescription

A nudge in the right direction with the help of a wellbeing coach

Wellbeing on prescription can help you if you’re not feeling your best. Are you feeling stressed, down, tired or anxious? If so, doing something that suits you can help you feel better.

When can ‘Wellbeing on Prescription’ help?

Sometimes symptoms are caused by what’s going on in your life. For example:

  • the loss of a partner
  • financial worries or redundancy
  • feeling lonely
  • prolonged stress or worry

You don’t always need to see a doctor or specialist. Activities you enjoy can help. These might include exercise, creative pursuits or meeting other people. The wellbeing coach knows what’s on in your local area and will help you find an activity that suits you.

How does it work?

1.

Discuss your symptoms with your GP or practice nurse

You’ll see your GP or practice nurse. Together, you’ll discuss your symptoms and your situation.
2.

Referral to ‘Wellbeing on Prescription’

If you don’t need medical treatment, your GP or practice nurse can refer you to ‘Wellbeing on Prescription’.
3.

Meeting with the wellbeing coach

Together with a wellbeing coach, you’ll explore what suits you best. You’ll discuss what you enjoy, what gives you energy and what you’d like to change.
4.

Start with a suitable activity

The coach will help you choose an activity and sort out the registration. This could be volunteering, walking, sport, a course or a social group. If you’d like, the coach will accompany you on your first visit.

What activities are on offer?

Sport and exercise

Walking or cycling club

Body and mind

Yoga, Tai Chi or a mindfulness course

Art and culture

Making music together or going to a museum

Discover and do

Computer or language lesson

Tasty encounters

Dining club, cookery café or dining with neighbours

Nature

Walking or gardening

Doing something for someone else

Mentoring or volunteering

Getting started with Wellbeing on Prescription

You cannot sign up for ‘Wellbeing on Prescription’ yourself. First, discuss your situation with your GP or practice nurse. Do you think ‘Wellbeing on Prescription’ could help you? If so, they will refer you to a wellbeing coach in your area. The coach will then get in touch with you to work out together which activities are right for you.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to pay for ‘Wellbeing on Prescription’?

No, you don’t usually have to pay anything for this. It isn’t covered by your excess.

Do you need to sort something out yourself?

No, the counsellor will help you choose and sort out your enrolment.

What if an activity isn’t right for you?

In that case, you and your support worker will look for another activity that suits you better.

Can you stop whenever you like?

Yes, it’s up to you whether you carry on or stop.