More than 5,800 patients in Bury have benefitted from social prescribing over the past year, with participants describing the service as life changing and in some cases life saving.
Health leaders and patients have highlighted the impact of social prescribing as part of National Social Prescribing Day on 26 March 2026. The service connects people with community activities and support to improve their health and wellbeing.
Figures show that more than 5,850 patients across Bury accessed social prescribing during the 2024 to 2025 period. The approach, introduced through NHS policy in 2019, focuses on non clinical support for issues such as loneliness, anxiety, bereavement, housing and employment.
Ninety year old Maureen Coope, from Besses o’ th’ Barn, said attending community groups had improved her wellbeing. She said: “Loneliness can be tough. Everyone needs somewhere to go and the opportunity to talk to other people. No one wants to spend hours staring at walls, dozing or watching TV. Being active keeps me young.”
Stephen Finneran, from Prestwich, was referred to the service by his GP while experiencing the effects of Long Covid. He said: “My life was taken from me and I felt socially isolated.”
He was supported by social prescriber Julie Marshall and introduced to walking tennis. He said: “Being able to play a sport I love at a pace I could cope with was the perfect medicine for me. I felt brighter, met new people, and began to return to normal life.”
Paul O’Brien, also from Prestwich, described the support as life saving after facing complex health and personal challenges. He said: “It’s been a game changer. Social prescribing has been a life saver. I’ve been listened to, helped, and I am also part of a mutually supportive men’s group which has been a real boost to my wellbeing and quality of life.”
The service is delivered by a team of 10 social prescribers working across GP practices in Bury. They provide tailored support and connect patients with local voluntary and community groups, including drop in sessions offering activities, advice and social contact.
Dr Kiran Patel, Medical Director with Bury GP Federation and a GP partner at Tower Family Healthcare, said many patients seek help for issues that cannot be treated by medication alone. He said: “Social prescribing enables GPs to refer patients with complex needs which cannot be simply treated by medicine. The team is making a tangible difference to patients’ lives and empowering people to improve their own health.”
Social prescriber Julie Marshall said the work supports a wide range of needs. She said: “Every person has different needs and we are here to help.”
Patients can access the service through their GP practice or by referring themselves.
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