“It’s the perfect medicine to feeing brighter after years of darkness.” That’s how one man has described his ‘social prescription’ to a Bury-based tennis group while struggling with the physical and mental impact of long Covid.
Five years on from the pandemic, Stephen Finneran from Prestwich, explains: “Covid hit me hard. From an active life including playing football every week and enjoying tennis, badminton and regular 20-mile hikes with friends, I was wiped out with severe fatigue and shortness of breath. I was unable to work as an archivist and I felt like life had been taken from me.”
One of an estimated 1.9 million people in England and Scotland living with long Covid , Stephen outlined how medication alone has not been the answer to his condition. He said: “Being unable to work, play competitive sport or walk for any length of time without struggling to breathe, reduced my world. I couldn’t talk without quickly becoming breathless and this made me socially isolated and affected my mental health. For someone used to being out and about with others this was brutal.”
Supported by Julie Marshall – one of a team of 10 social prescribers working across GP practices in Bury, Prestwich and Whitefield – Stephen has taken up walking tennis. He says: “It enables me to play a sport I love at a pace I can cope with, plus meet other people. I’m already feeling the benefits, both physically and mentally.”
Bury GP Federation figures show that in the 10 months from May 2024 more than 5850 patients have benefited from ‘social prescriptions’ which address social, emotional and practical needs to improve patient mental and physical wellbeing. Creating personalised care plans, social prescribers connect people to community groups and social activities – from drop-ins to support social isolation and mental health, to arts and crafts, sporting opportunities and green prescribing. The team also helps patients with advice regarding debt and job issues, homelessness and welfare benefits.
Dr Kiran Patel, Medical Director with Bury GP Federation and a GP Partner at Tower Family Healthcare, added: “Patients often visit GPs with non-medical reasons which have a considerable impact on their health and wellbeing. More than half (56%) the patients in the 10-month period were struggling with social isolation and loneliness which can lead to physical and mental health issues. Social prescribing enables GPs to refer patients with complex needs which cannot be simply treated by medicine. It’s a growing service which is making a tangible difference to patients’ lives and ultimately helps empower patients to improve their own health.”
Social prescriber, Julie Marshall, who works with Prestwich GP practices, said: “It’s a privilege to support so many wonderful people. Every person has different needs – from loneliness and anxiety, to being overwhelmed with form-filling for benefits and jobs, or juggling multiple life issues – and we’re here to help.”
The social prescribing team works with VCFSE (voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise) groups and has established multiple drop-ins across the area to benefit health. Julie added: “There’s something for everyone whether it’s activities including arts, sports, music, gardening, or simply talking and being with other people for a cuppa.
“Patients can self-refer to our service or are referred by their practice or any health professional. Social prescribing also supports our under-pressure GPs as we have more time to listen to non-medical issues which affect health and wellbeing. Every ‘social prescription’ is tailored to the individual and the holistic approach – talking rather than tablets – is helping to change lives in Bury for the better.”
The combination of social prescribing and Bury Council teaming up with We Do Tennis CIC, has made a difference to Stephen Finneran. He added: “Long Covid limited my life. Now I’m slowly getting it back.”