After working with a number of community associations in St Helier, Deputy Inna Gardiner feels that many Islanders, in particular elderly men, would benefit from referrals from a GP to join social clubs or associations.
She said that people tended to trust and respect their GPs, who already provide other types of referrals, and social prescriptions should be introduced in Jersey as they have been elsewhere in the world.
‘I think that we need to look into social prescriptions. We have sport prescriptions already, like a GP will tell someone that need to attend exercise classes and they go to the gym or active classes,’ she said. ‘So, what I would like to see is the same type of social referral. People don’t always go to a GP because they are ill but because they may feel lonely or they may have psychosomatic feelings or they might just want a chat.
‘The GP could say that you should go attend this social club on a Friday night as their prescription. This happens elsewhere in the world.
‘Interestingly, I have found this is more an issue for the males in the senior citizens than the female. At the events I hold there always seems to be more women than men.’
She added: ‘People trust GPs. They are professional and if you are talking
about the elderly population they are a point of contact who they can trust.
‘They know what they are doing and if they tell you something you do it. There is a type of authority with them.’
After being elected in a by-election in St Helier 3/4 earlier this year, Deputy Gardiner has established the St Helier Community Steering group to provide oversight of community services in the capital.
She said that many residents were not aware of the services and clubs that were available in town and that was a matter she was taking action to address.
‘I initiated the St Helier Community Strategy Steering Group. We have now had four meetings and I have invited residents from different areas, charities, church groups and other places,’ she said.
‘One of the first things we are doing is mapping St Helier. We have found that there are 72 different community organisations in St Helier, which most people do not realise exist.
‘Our second step is to know what the needs of residents are and we hope in a year we will conclude this exercise. Lastly, we need to reach out and market for people.
‘We have been laminating cards of events that are happening for senior citizens in St Helier and handing them out.
‘So, they receive the schedule and they can put it on their fridge – they might see something and decide to do it. It’s about letting them know what’s out there.’
