Anglia Ruskin University: Project to explore ‘social prescribing’ in Chelmsford
A new research project will explore how cultural activities could help improve the health and wellbeing of people in Chelmsford.
The research, a new collaboration between Culture Chelmsford, Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and Chelmsford Council for Voluntary Service (Chelmsford CVS), will explore what social prescribing currently looks like in Chelmsford and identify where there are gaps in connecting it with culture to support health and wellbeing.
Social prescribing is when a health service signposts an individual to a cultural or social organisation that can assist with their health or wellbeing.
The research, announced on National Social Prescribing Day 2024 (Thursday, 14 March), aims to explore whether the existing social prescribing offer provides the opportunities for linking people in the city with their local community and cultural organisations. The research is steered by a working group and will involve talking to adults and young people who have experience of a range of health challenges, as well as health professionals, social prescribers, and arts and culture providers in Chelmsford.
The findings of the study will help design pilot projects, with the aim of expanding the culture and health social prescribing offer in Chelmsford.
The research is being funded by Chelmsford City Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and is part of the Huddles programme for the National Centre for Creative Health (NCCH).
Claire Gevaux, Chief Executive of Culture Chelmsford, said:
“We believe that taking part in heritage, art, singing, dancing, crafts or reading can be used to prevent and treat mental and physical wellbeing as well as relieving the pressure on our healthcare system.
“We’re delighted to be working with such a stellar list of partners on this action research project which is co-developed with our local communities. We hope that the outcome of this study creates life changing opportunities for everyone in Chelmsford to experience the value of cultural social prescribing.”
Research Fellow at ARU Dr Anna Dadswell, who is leading the research, said:
“The partnerships established through this project will help us to hear from a range of different perspectives and shape recommendations for the development of culture and health provision, as well as approaches to social prescribing that respond to what people in Chelmsford really need.”
Sally Medd, Volunteer Centre and Projects Manager for Chelmsford CVS, said:
“This research presents an exciting opportunity to expand Chelmsford prescribers’ toolkit of referral options, and to emphasise that a lack of opportunity to participate in culture and creativity is an important social detriment of health.
“As a community development organisation, we welcome this opportunity to work in partnership to encourage and grow local projects, and to further contribute to a richer, more connected community.”
Cllr Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for a Greener and Safer Chelmsford, Chelmsford City Council, said:
“With an ageing population and continued challenges for our healthcare systems, it’s more important than ever that we explore how innovative approaches such as cultural social prescribing can alleviate and even prevent some of the issues of loneliness, low mental health, and social isolation across our district.”