During its pilot, 656 adults in Guernsey were referred by their GPs and other health professionals to the Bailiwick Social Prescribing (BSP) scheme.

Islanders seeking help for their health were suffering from issues including mental health, employment and social isolation.

Around 200 islanders were referred to BSP, in the last half of 2023 alone.

"[BSP has] helped me a lot and brought fun back into my life. It has increased my self-confidence and stopped me from looking at my four walls every night."

Ash had a range of health issues which caused chronic pain and low wel-being, meaning he had few social interactions and was finding the evenings hard.

A BSP Link Worker suggested he tried a new sport, he now attends a group two to three times a week.

"I wish I had done sport years ago, BSP gave me the confidence to try."

The model prioritises using community-based groups and charities rather than medication to create healthy mindsets.

CEO of Guernsey Community Foundation, Jim Roberts, says BSP is one of many alternatives to medical intervention.

"It can complement medical intervention or it can be instead of and over the course of that pilot nearly every GP in Guernsey was referring people into this scheme, which is good and what we wanted, leading to the increase in referrals.

"That really accounts for the steady climb in numbers over the lifetime of the pilot."

BSP is getting positive feedback from patients after getting help from more than 30 charities and groups.

"I'm settling well in my new flat and very relieved to have found such a lovely home."

Mark is an older islanders whose holusing issues were affecting his health.

He felt socially isolated and was struggling financially.

BSP referred Mark to Income Support for adivce and he dicided to sell his house and found a flat which is easier to maintain.

"I actually went to bed smilling and woke up with a smile. Long time since I have done that."

Mira has been tackling COVID anxiety and is an older person who has felt the effects of the post pandemic world.

She finds basic daily tasts including shopping overwhelming and was becoming socially isolated.

With support from Healthy Minds, Mira is regaining her independence and is reconnecting with her loved ones.

Jim Roberts has described it as having a positive, ripple effect in the community.

"There's a real range of partners, so that can be the Guernsey Employment Trust, lots of arts groups, it can be climbing groups, yoga groups, walking groups, a real mixture of physical and artistic and sports and social related activities."

Patients will be referred to different groups depending on their individual needs.

Bailiwick Social Prescribing was set up in the summer of 2021 to help people with a non-medical issue that is impacting their well-being.

Link Workers have been providing islanders with support from various areas, including arts, sports, volunteering, and services to help worries with housing, employment, finances and bereavement.

The Guernsey Community Foundation and Public Health Services have been funding BSP for the last four years, with the Social Investment Fund and other donations more recently.