Activity on Prescription
Vibrant Communities held a special Activity on Prescription event recently for health professionals highlighting the impact their project has had locally.
Activity on Prescription is a referral scheme that has been running in East Ayrshire since 2002. The team work with health professional to support people who are in most need of support to get more active and make positive changes to their lifestyle to improve their health and wellbeing.
Health professionals can refer people with conditions including pulmonary conditions, cardiac conditions, stroke and cancer to the Activity on Prescription team. The team works closely with each individual referred, building a programme especially for that person. This programme could include attending special classes like Motiv8, Invigor8 and yoga or attending a walking group. They can also provide general health and nutrition advice.
At the event, the team also launched a new partnership with Macmillan Cancer. They will be supporting Macmillan’s special programme, Move More, which is designed for people who have had or are currently living with cancer with the aim of improving recovery and wellbeing.
Councillor Elena Whitham, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities said: “The event was a great opportunity for health professionals to find out more about Activity on Prescription and how our team works closely with individuals to tailor a health and wellbeing package to their needs.
“In recent months, the team has looked closely at the service they provide, interviewing people who had been referred to them with a variety of conditions. To hear their testimonies is very moving.
“Activity on Prescription has helped hundreds of people to become more active, has given them much needed confidence, especially in terms of improved balance following a stroke, and helped to tackle social isolation. This is a worthwhile project that, I am glad to say, is growing in reach year on year.
“I am also very pleased that the team has entered into a new partnership with Macmillan Cancer to help people who have had or are living with cancer. This partnership will help to improve the lives of local people and will aid recovery.”