MP raises need for social prescribing in Cumbria to improve mental health

Yesterday in Parliament, local MP Tim Farron has raised the need social prescribing in Cumbria to improve mental health.

Social prescribing involves treating illness by prescribing non-traditional medication such as exercise, gardening and eating advice to improve the wellbeing of patients.

Speaking during a debate on the effect of the Government's 25 year environment plan on world health, Tim said: "Does he agree that the value to our mental health of the environment and of time spent in it is clearly proven?

"In my constituency, Growing Well at Sizergh does a wonderful job, saving the NHS thousands of pounds a year by keeping people well.

"Does he regret, as I do, that there is no social prescribing in Cumbria to allow local people such as those at Growing Well to support more people and keep them well?"