Join us for a wide-ranging discussion about improving social prescribing, on the same week as Social Prescribing Day
Provision of social prescribing, the term used when addressing the social determinants of ill health through referrals to community-based assets, is integrally linked to place and the infrastructure and resources to be found in that geographical area.
There are a growing number of articles and research projects that tell something of how social prescribing and linked referral pathways operate in inner city, urban and even rural areas, however, less information is shared about the what, how and who of social prescribing for those who live on islands.
This online event, organized to coincide with the week that celebrates Social Prescribing Day, Thursday 9 March, brings together a panel of individuals who are working hard to improve social prescribing across Isle of Arran, the Western Isles and Jersey, Channel Islands.
After a welcome and introduction to the event by Ruthanne Baxter, FRSA, attendees will hear a series of seven-minute ‘lightening talks’ by each of the panel members. The ’lightening talks’ will include the views of each panelist on the primary challenges to, and the key actions to unlock the potential of, social prescribing on their island.
The panel presentations will be followed with a Q&A and discussion forum, chaired by Honorary Professor of General Practice, Dr John Gillies, OBE.
Speakers:
Ruthanne Baxter, FRSA, is Civic Engagement Manager for the University of Edinburgh Heritage Collections and creator of Prescribe Culture, an award-winning heritage-based non-clinical intervention for mental health.
John Gillies OBE, MA (Ethics & Law), FRSE, FRCGP, FRCPE is Honorary Professor of General Practice, a Senior Adviser to the Global Health Academy and Co-director of University of Edinburgh Global Compassion Initiative.
Magaidh Smith, a native islander, Gaelic speaker and volunteer cultural coordinator of several community groups. Magaidh has island traditions and social history at the heart of the many events she facilitates. In recent years, she has focused her skills and experience to develop and deliver a range of culture-based prescriptions on the Western Isles. Magaidh works closely with Louise Davidson, leader of a therapists collective and Community Interest Company, Stress Monkey Solutions.
Dr Malcolm Kerr, MRCGP, FRCPE, is a GP working on the Isle of Arran, longstanding Arran resident, Director at Heather Lodge (holistic therapy centre at Brodick) and a Shinrin Yoku practitioner.
Dr Chris Edmond, FRSA, is an Occupational Physician based in Jersey and founder of the island’s dedicated occupational health provider, WorkHealth Jersey. With a background in hospital medicine, Chris now focusses his efforts on community, workplace and lifestyle approaches to improving health and wellbeing. In addition to his main role, Chris is a Director of Jersey Sport and the Jersey Recovery College, a columnist for the local newspaper, and supports several community-based health initiatives.
Taking part in RSA in-person events
To participate in the event, you will need to register for a ticket so we can make sure we have an up-to-date list of those who plan on attending. This is for capacity purposes.
We encourage all attendees that are sick or showing symptoms of illness to stay home and to cancel your Eventbrite ticket if you are no longer able to join the event.
If you have any questions, or to let us know of any access requirements or reasonable adjustments you require, please email: networks@rsa.org.uk
