Social Prescribing Merton

19/06/2026

Temperatures are set to soar in the coming week.

Here's how you can ensure your older loved ones stay safe in the heat.

Read our guidance on the warning signs to look out for during a heatwave.

https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/stay-safe-heatwave/

19/06/2026

What a fantastic afternoon!

Yesterday, St Georges Hospital marked World Sickle Cell Day with a celebration full of music, creativity, connection and inspiring conversations.
Two talks stood out:
🔹 The Sickle Cell Society's Peer Mentoring Programme connects young people living with sickle cell to trained mentors with lived experience of the condition — helping boost confidence, reduce isolation, and navigate life's challenges.
🔹 The Improving Black Health Outcomes (IBHO) BioResource, a national research programme working to improve health outcomes for Black communities, through better representation, better understanding and better healthcare for future generations.

Attendees left feeling inspired, informed, and proud of the strength of the sickle cell community.
Want to get involved?
👉 Sickle Cell Society Peer Mentoring: https://www.sicklecellsociety.org/mentoring/
👉 IBHO BioResource (register your interest): https://bioresource.nihr.ac.uk/programmes/improving-black-health-outcomes-ibho-bioresource

17/04/2026

Taking time to be creative can be a powerful way to support your wellbeing. Writing can help people reflect, process experiences and build confidence in their voice.

Our Social Prescribing team is sharing a local opportunity for residents interested in exploring this:

Creative Writing Courses – Beginners and Advanced
Fridays: 1st May, 8th May and 22nd May
10am to 12 noon
Colliers Wood Library

These small group courses offer a supportive space to develop your writing, whether you are just starting out or looking to build on existing skills.

£60 for all three sessions, with free places available for residents in CR4, CR7, SM3 and SM4 postcodes.

Find out more and book:
Beginners: https://www.wimbledonbookfest.org/events/beginners-creative-writing-course-colliers-wood/
Advanced: https://www.wimbledonbookfest.org/events/advanced-creative-writing-course-colliers-wood/

Activities like this can support wellbeing by:
• creating space for self-expression
• building routine and focus
• connecting with others in a shared, creative environment

If you would like support to access activities like this, our Social Prescribing team is here to help.

16/04/2026

Spending time outdoors, connecting with others and taking part in simple, joyful activities can make a real difference to our wellbeing.

Taking place on Saturday 16th May in Morden Park from 10am-5pm, Merton Dog Watch is a free community event bringing people together for a relaxed day in the park. There’s plenty to get involved in, including a fun dog show, agility activities, stalls and refreshments.

Whether you have a dog or just enjoy being around them, events like this can help:
• get you moving and out in the fresh air
• reduce feelings of isolation by connecting with others
• enjoy shared moments that can lift mood

All proceeds from the day go towards local charities, making it a great way to support your community while looking after your own wellbeing.

If you would like support to find activities like this, our Social Prescribing team is here to help.

Visit www.mertondogwatch.org for more information

10/03/2026

The Lantern Hub is hosting a Menopause Cafe and the next one is on the 25th March from 7-9pm. All are welcome to this safe space to discuss all things menopause either to support themselves or someone else in their life.

Venue: 195 - 205 Worple Road, Raynes Park SW20 8RA
For more information visit:
https://www.menopausecafe.net/events/menopause-cafe-wimbledon-and-raynes-park-4/

18/02/2026

Do you look after a relative or friend who is unwell, frail or disabled? Or do you know someone who does?

Merton Council is hosting a free Carers’ Information Event on Friday 20 March 2026, 1pm to 5pm at Whitford Hall, inside Vestry Hall, Mitcham.

This friendly drop in session is an opportunity to:

• Meet other carers over a cup of tea
• Find out what support is available for you and the person you care for
• Connect with local public services, charities and community groups

There is no need to book. Just drop in.

If you are working with carers in the borough, please help share this with your networks.

More information here: https://www.merton.gov.uk/social-care/adult-social-care/carers/carers-information-event-friday-20-march-2026

18/02/2026

Free Wills Month is a national campaign that helps people aged 55+ write or update a simple Will for free with participating solicitors during March (appointments are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis).

Making a Will is one of the most practical ways to protect the people you love. It helps make your wishes clear, reduces uncertainty, and can make things much easier for family and friends at a difficult time.

If you would like to take part, you can check eligibility, what’s included, and book directly via: freewillsmonth.org.uk

12/02/2026

This National Social Prescribing Day, take a moment to discover support that could make a real difference to your wellbeing.

Social Prescribers are available at every GP practice in Merton. If you are a patient, you can ask any member of your GP team to refer you for Social Prescribing.

On Thursday 26th March, from 10am to 1pm, Social Prescribers will be at Mitcham, Pollards Hill, Raynes Park, Wimbledon and Colliers Wood Libraries. Drop in to find out what social prescribing is, how it works, and how it can connect you to community groups, activities and local support.

Free and open to all residents. No booking required.

We are celebrating an incredible 10 years of social prescribing in Merton! Read more Social Prescribing here:
https://mertonconnected.co.uk/article/223/10-years-of-social-prescribing-in-merton-and-new-national-evidence-on-its-impact

(Please note that individual consultations will not take place on the day)

22/01/2026

Money worries can wear you down. The CAP Life Skills group at Mitcham Church is starting on Tuesday 24th of February 2026 and runs for 8 weeks. It is free and aims to give you the confidence and decision-making skills needed to live on a low income. You’ll learn practical money saving techniques, such as cooking on a budget and making money go further. See the full details and register here www.mitcham.church/cap

14/01/2026