Society is living longer and developing long term health conditions, some of which include mental health issues and loneliness. GP surgeries are struggling to cope when, as a nation, 20% of consultations are for matters of housing, employment, and relationship breakdowns. Social prescribing, as it has become known, is increasingly a government priority to help alleviate some of the issues we are facing. As a landed estate, deep-rooted with the community, we are uniquely placed to respond, and this idea forms a key part of our ambitious land strategy.
To explore the potential of Blenheim Estate's natural assets to promote health and wellbeing, we partnered with the University of Oxford to design and deliver a series of projects to explore how digital technology, specifically Internet of Things (IoT), can contribute to health and wellbeing.
Described as “a way of linking patients in primary care with sources of support within the community to help improve their health and wellbeing", social prescribing can address mental and physical health through activities like sports and leisure/arts activities.
Social prescribing involves helping people improve their health, wellbeing and social welfare by connecting them to community services which are usually run by local councils or local charities. Working with Aspire has allowed us to share Blenheim Estate with groups of vulnerable people.
Regular walks can improve both your physical and mental health and there’s plenty of different routes to choose from on the estate that are dog friendly and suitable for wheelchair and buggy users.
Our Estates Director, Roy Cox, takes you through our Natural Health Service pillar in more detail.