As the Service Manager for Penrose Community Care and Support (PCCS), I’ve seen first-hand the transformative power of social prescribing in supporting individuals with mental health challenges.

In collaboration with local authority adult social care teams, community mental health teams like South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), GPs, and self-referrals, PCCS provides holistic, community-based support vital to the well-being of those we serve.

Social prescribing is a person-centred approach that goes beyond clinical symptoms to address the broader social, emotional, and practical factors affecting a person’s life. It links individuals to non-clinical resources such as exercise classes, art therapy, community groups, or volunteering opportunities. This approach is especially effective for those managing long-term mental health conditions, where isolation and lack of routine can significantly impact recovery.

At PCCS, social prescribing is central to our service. We tailor support to meet each person’s unique needs, working closely with them to identify their goals and barriers, whether social, emotional, or physical. We then connect them to activities and resources that encourage social inclusion, improve health, and provide structure.

This support can be life-changing, helping individuals engage with their communities, reduce isolation, and promote personal growth. By building stronger connections, people regain a sense of purpose and control, fostering resilience and improving well-being.

We also focus on early intervention, identifying those at risk of deteriorating mental health and offering timely support. Through close collaboration with SLaM, psychiatric hospital teams, adult social services and other professionals, we aim to reduce pressure on traditional healthcare systems by providing the right support at the right time.

Social prescribing recognises that well-being is rooted in how we live and connect with our communities. At PCCS, we are proud to lead this innovative approach, helping individuals regain control of their lives and improve their quality of life.

Case Study: Julia’s Journey to Improved Well-being with PCCS

Purpose & Overview
This case study highlights Julia’s journey toward semi-independent living with the support of PCCS. Julia’s situation illustrates the importance of personalised mental health and social care for long-term recovery.

Background
Julia, a 30-year-old woman from Deptford, has diagnoses of Paranoid Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Previously, she faced recurrent hospital admissions and long periods of isolation and struggled with personal care and home maintenance. After her first hospital admission four years ago, she was placed in a residential care home. However, she expressed a desire to return home to her parents, leading to her referral to PCCS.

Initial Assessment & Support Plan
PCCS started supporting Julia as a last step before considering another supported living arrangement. Initially, she received 14 hours of support per week, with twice-daily visits. The primary focus was to encourage personal care, declutter her living space, and explore local social activities. As she made progress, her support was reduced to 9 hours per week.

Support Activities

Encouraging Personal Care & Daily Activities: Morning visits to assist with breakfast, hygiene, room decluttering, and setting up daily activities.

Social Engagement: Afternoon sessions included walks, visits to cafes, local shopping centres, and discussions about well-being and future goals.

Skill Development: Encouraged exploring local volunteering opportunities and discussed potential job applications to build confidence.

Key Findings
Julia initially resisted acknowledging her autism diagnosis, making it challenging for her to connect with others, including family. However, through consistent support, she started engaging more, showing improvement in social interaction and daily life skills.

Progress & Achievements

Improved Social Engagement: Julia began attending social activities, such as cinema visits and park walks, and successfully used public transportation independently.

Volunteering Success: She secured a volunteer role at a local Mind shop, helping rebuild her confidence and develop work skills.

Health Improvements: Julia remained compliant with her medication, resulting in a reduction in dosage without adverse effects. Her BMI improved, and she reported feeling happier and more accomplished.

Enhanced Family Relationships: Her relationship with her parents improved significantly, leading to a more balanced family dynamic.

Challenges
Julia continues to struggle with hoarding and occasionally procrastinates on tasks like updating her CV or maintaining her room. She also needs support joining sports or educational courses to expand her social network.

Outcomes
The combination of tailored social support and medical care has led to notable improvements in Julia’s well-being. Her reduced support hours reflect her progress toward greater independence and social inclusion.

Julia’s story demonstrates how personalised care, including social prescribing, can positively impact mental health recovery. By integrating both medical and social support, PCCS has helped Julia transition from isolation to active community engagement, significantly improving her overall quality of life. She now volunteers and aspires to pursue a full-time administrative role, marking her path toward independence.

If you or someone you know could benefit from social prescribing or floating mental health support, visit our dedicated page or contact us at 07814 285448 or pccs@socialinterestgroup.org.uk.

Veronica Claridi, Penrose Community Care and Support (PCCS) Service Manager