13/08/2026
đ New message from Councillor Rhys Chant, Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing at Chichester District Council:
There are times in our lives when we face challenges that arenât strictly medical but still have a serious impact on our health and wellbeing. Whether itâs feeling isolated, struggling with sleep due to financial worries, or finding it hard to manage a long-term condition, these issues can affect both our physical and mental health and often present as medical symptoms.
In fact, at least 20% of people who visit their GP are dealing with underlying issues that arenât necessarily medical. Trying to navigate these problems alone can be overwhelming, but I want our residents to know that help is available. Our Social Prescribing Team is here to listen and work with you to plan the next step forward.
Launched eight years ago, our Social Prescribing service offers tailored support that connects people with activities, groups, and services in their community that help meet their practical, social, and emotional needs. The team takes time to understand each personâs situation, helping them get to the root of the issue and to find long-term solutions that will improve their wellbeing.
Our Social Prescribers work alongside people to connect them with local resources, services, and activities, offering advice, advocacy, and practical or emotional support to help them navigate lifeâs challenges.
A key part of the role is to help people discover activities, interests, and connections that bring meaning and joy to their lives. Whether itâs rediscovering a hobby, trying something new, or finding welcoming groups in their community, the focus is on helping people feel more connected, supported, and fulfilled.
By linking residents to the right opportunities, we aim to empower them to build confidence, strengthen social connections, and take meaningful steps towards a happier, healthier life.
Whether someone is worried about housing or financial pressures, caring for a loved one, managing a long-term health condition, or simply wants to feel more connected to their community, our staff are available to help. If you or someone you know could benefit from the support of our Social Prescribers, please get in touch with the team by emailing [email protected] or visiting the 'Social prescribing' page on our website.
We also offer a similar service for young people aged 13 to 25, introduced in response to the impact of the pandemic. This service supports young people who may be feeling lonely, lacking confidence, or wanting to build stronger connections with their community and friends. Our designated Social Prescriber will work with them to create a personalised plan, linking them to activities, events, and organisations that can help them feel better and more connected. You can find out more by visiting the 'Chichester Youth Connections 13- 25 Years service' page on our website.
I also wanted to remind you about our âSupporting Youâ team. They provide guidance and support around financial vulnerability, including helping residents to maximise their income and access the benefits and support they may be entitled to. If youâre struggling with the cost of living, please visit the 'Supporting You' page on our website to find out more. Recently, they supported a family and identified that they were entitled to an 80% reduction on their council tax. While the team doesnât provide direct financial assistance or deal with housing matters, they can offer valuable advice and connect people with the right services. Theyâre making a significant difference to many people across the district, so if you are struggling, please donât suffer in silence â do reach out. Weâre here to help.
Our monthly email newsletter, initiatives+, is a great way to receive notifications about the services and events available to you, so please sign up if you havenât already by visiting the 'Sign up to our email newsletter' page on our website. We also have a Facebook Messenger channel which can be accessed via our page! By signing up, youâll receive information about events â as well as emergency advice, important news and opportunities for you to have your say in consultations â directly to your Messenger account.
For links and more information, please visit the comments below.
Best wishes
Cllr Rhys Chant, Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing at Chichester District Council
