A NEW service aimed at bridging the gap between health and social care in Poole is officially up and running.

The well attended launch of the Poole Social Prescription Service at Lighthouse attracted a range of people including GPs and practice nurses among those who may be referring residents to this first scheme of its kind in Dorset.

Poole Well-being Collaborative, which has received funding from Borough of Poole and the local NHS clinical commissioning group of £200,000 over two years, launched the scheme which aims to help lonely adults find friends, companionship and activities.

“We can do this,” independent chairman Charlie Sheldrick told those present. “[But not] on our own. We need the help of voluntary organisations involved in supporting people who may be vulnerable or lonely.”

He said it was a good start and now they needed health and social care organisations to refer people to them.

“This is something quite specific that makes sense,” he said.

Jeff Russell, chief executive of Prama, one of seven corporate directors of local charities involved with the group said: “It’s about social health, not just about medical health.”

Five people have already been referred to the service through My Health My Way, an NHS funded self-management coaching service for people with long term health conditions.

Self-management coach Sarah Wilkinson said: “They have all said what a great, supportive service they have. They are really pleased.”

She said people often suffered a knock to their self confidence and their self esteem and being clinically referred or self referred to a service that could help them find activities to be involved in was very helpful.

“One lady has started up a new chess club. She had re-launched it and she’s the main volunteer there.

“That’s really good,” she said.