SOCIAL Prescribing Day is coming to Keighley to show how people’s health can be improved without them needing to see a doctor.

Social Prescribing, which is offered by several Keighley GP surgeries, involves finding solutions to health issues that do not involve a drug or a pill.

Instead the patients are offered a ‘social answer’ to certain issues such as new hobbies, a listening ear, or support services run by other organisations.

Airedale medical practices that are part of the Modality Partnership are hosting events on Wednesday and Thursday, March 13 and 14.

Modality spokesman Bill Graham said: “For someone who feels a bit lonely and isolated we can connect people into groups or activities where they might find people with shared interests.

“For people with issues around debts and benefits, we can provide access to the support services that exist in the Keighley area. Sometime patients just need time to be heard and listened to, and this is something our team of social prescribers can help with.”

“We are committed to invest in non-medical care and to promote the great community groups and activities that can help patients lead a healthier more active life.

“We have a number of events planned in surgeries promoting our social prescribers and the richness of community life in Keighley.

Farfield Surgery, in West Lane, will host social prescriber Yasmin Maskin on March 13 alongside a Tai Chi taster session.

At Holycroft Surgery, on March 14, people can find out about social prescribing, meet voluntary organisations offering support, orbecome a volunteer.

Kilmeny Surgery in Ingrow will host a coffee morning on March 14 from 11.30pm to 1pm where people can meet a social prescriber, volunteers and members of the Patients Participation Group.

Haworth Surgery willll also offer a social prescriber and publicise its Healthy Haworth activities for patients and residents.

Email bill.graham2@nhs.net for further information about the social prescribing activities events.