Discover OneRen's Cultural Social Prescribing and Live Active Services
20 September 2024
Published
Taking part in cultural activities can support positive social and mental health. It can offer you the opportunity to learn new skills and to enjoy being creative. It can help you learn more about Renfrewshire and its heritage and to make connections with other people in a variety of different environments including our arts and library spaces.
The Social Prescribing Service is suitable for those who could benefit from improving their wellbeing and for those who are looking for opportunities to make social connections. We can accept referrals from health professionals but if you feel this service would be valuable we are equally delighted to hear directly from you using the form below. OneRen Health and Wellbeing Referral (cognitoforms.com) We will arrange for you to attend a short appointment with our Social Prescribing Coordinator, who will look at your needs in a holistic way. This appointment is flexible and can be arranged in person or over the phone, whatever is easiest for you. A range of available opportunities within Renfrewshire can be discussed to assess what is suitable for your needs. Examples may include joining a local gym to get active, accessing local arts activities, gardening, volunteering, cookery and lots more.
John Murray, one of the founders of this programme stated “This initiative started as a result of my own experiences with heart failure and my journey to recovery, which can be attributed to my time spent at the allotment. Over time, my confidence and energy levels grew and I am now doing many things again that I thought I wouldn't be able to. I was introduced to a social prescriber who had a shared vision of supporting others through the use of outdoor space, art and nature and as a result, the first group of referrals started to attend every Friday. As the programme grew, we applied for and were successful, in obtaining a grant to build a ramp which made the club house accessible to all. The next applications allowed us to purchase timber to build raised beds, engage with an artist and purchase materials to offer painting and photography.
We have been extremely fortunate to have formed this excellent partnership with Social Prescribers through OneRen and have helped to enhance the lives of a number of people. The feedback has been very positive with one attendee saying “it is the highlight of my week as I have no one in my life. It has given me something to look forward to and make connections and friends”.
Live Active
Through the help and support of our specialist Live Active Advisors, you will receive bespoke advice and encouragement to set lifestyle goals, whether it is increasing your activity levels or simply living a more positive lifestyle.
Over the course of a 12 month period, and through the support of our one to-one consultations either in person or on the telephone, our Live Active Advisors will provide you with the knowledge, tools and confidence you need to meet your goals.
A physical activity plan is tailored for each individual and Live Active Advisors help you choose from a range of activities available to you in your local area such as Vitality classes, supervised gym sessions, swimming, and health walks. Rest assured that the Advisors have a wealth of knowledge of all the opportunities available to you locally to become more active.
Live Active Advisors are also on hand every step of the way offering techniques to cope with setbacks if they arise and advice on how to gain the right social support to keep you on track. The Advisor will propose a personalised support plan for you in terms of what support you will need and how often e.g. telephone calls, catch ups etc. This unique service is ideal for those who are keen to make better lifestyle choices but need help to do so.
Throughout your time on the Live Active programme, if applicable, you can receive support to access wider NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde support services such as Smoke free Services and the Weight Management Service.
To access the Live Active Referral Scheme a referral must be made through a GP or other health professional. This can usually be requested over the phone with a health professional without the need for an appointment.
Article written by John Murray, SHARP Patient Representative