Earlier this year, Pilton Community Health Project (PCHP) brought together members of the local community to celebrate their involvement and achievements as part of a social prescribing initiative, ‘Taking Steps to Better Health’. Recognising the valuable link between mental health, moving more and connecting with nature, the project encourages people to enjoy the outdoors. This fosters a sense of belonging to their area, raises awareness of local green spaces and increase social connections
We captured moments from the Open Afternoon, which included a wide range of stalls, activities and a guided Local History Walk to bring local people together.
Pilton Community Health Project (PCHP) was established in 1984 making it one of Scotland’s oldest health projects. Based in the Pilton area of Edinburgh City, PCHP works with a strengths-based approach, supporting and developing the strengths of an individual such as knowledge and experience. Through their work PCHP promotes learning, skills development, access, participation, networking and leadership to strengthen the local communities and build resilience.
With support from our Smarter Choices, Smarter Place Local Authority Fund, Edinburgh City Council were awarded funding to help deliver the social prescribing project, ‘Taking Steps to Better Health’ for local communities, particularly those individuals who experience ill health. In 2021-22 alone, PCHP supported over 1,000 people, reached 915 households and linked over 800 people with community-based training, advice, support and services.
The Project uses a social model of health to tackle ill health in communities with significant social and economic challenges. Alongside local people and General Practitioners, PCHP are developing North Edinburgh Nature Prescriptions, accessible and fun outdoor activities, walks and community events. Active Buddies is a volunteering opportunity to help people take the first step to better health.
Connection to others in the community, and outdoor spaces has provided solace and respite to those who experience isolation and loneliness, exacerbated by the pandemic. A participant of the Project’s Art Ecotherapy, which has been especially powerful in reaching people affected by childhood trauma, shielding, long covid and relationship breakdown during lockdown says,
I can’t work anymore, and it makes me feel really down. I think the walks help me because I can speak with other women. At least when I walk I feel like I’m part of something.
Another participant adds,
I can’t tell you how much I look forward to it, I haven’t been out in months.
Social prescribing is best described as a range of approaches for connecting people with non-medical sources of support and resources to help with mental and physical health issues. In the context of ‘Taking Steps to Better Health’ Pilton Community Health Project focussed on creating opportunities for local people to embrace physical activity, particularly walking, to improve health and in turn create happier, more resilient communities.
Our Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme supports Scottish Local Authorities to encourage more active and sustainable travel choices, including more journeys by foot, bike and public transport. Funding, supported by Transport Scotland, is allocated on a population basis to local authorities, to enable the delivery of projects.
These projects benefit from the funding, providing new, exciting and innovative ways to embrace active and sustainable travel including work with local communities, walking and cycling festivals and providing support to voluntary and community organisations encouraging active travel.
Julie Patterson, Development Manager for the Community Wellbeing Programme at Pilton Community Health Project says,
We are delighted to have been awarded additional funding for this year to sustain and develop the successes of the pilot last year, build on the public health messages for us all to get outside again safely. The project will provide local practical solutions to North Edinburgh GPs and PCHP’s community link workers committed to green and social prescribing in Lothian.
With funding and support, the next year will see PCHP develop a range of walks, events, workshops and programmes to help build happier, healthier and more resilience local communities.
To learn more about our SCSP Local Authority Fund, click here.
To learn more about Pilton Community Health Project, click here.
Find out more about what social prescribing involves in our 'Voices of the Walk' podcast here.