An idea that started across the pond is making its way to Bancroft.
Alicia McCullam Project Manager for Rural Hastings Health Link with Gateway Community Health Centre explains that social prescribing is a “buzz word” that started in Britain. “It’s often referred to as when healthcare professionals or others refer patients to non-clinical services to improve their health and well-being,” she says. McCullam adds that the method looks at a person as a whole, not just their physical or mental issues.
The fair will bring together community organizations to help attack social isolation. McCullam says that when people are connected to others in their community they experience improved mental and physical health.”People are hardwired for connection, so if people are lonely or socially isolated they tend to have more poor health outcomes,” she says.
“A lot of people are living alone, may not have family or friends and people just aren’t as connected in some instances as they used to be,” she points out. That’s why she wanted to bring the idea to North and Central Hastings and bring the community groups and organizations in those communities together. McCullam hopes that it will give people a chance to make connections and possibly feel more comfortable joining a group.
17 organizations or individuals have signed up so far. North Hastings Children’s Services, Community Development Council of Quinte, Hastings Highlands Public Library, CARE North Hastings, North Hastings Community Cupboard, Metis Nation of Ontario, North Hastings Community Integration and 100+ Women Who Care Bancroft Region are some of the ones you will see. McCullam says there is still time to sign up if you’re interested.
The Bancroft Legion on Station Street will host the event on September 24th from 11 AM until 2.