Bromley by Bow Centre

UK

The Bromley by Bow Centre in East London, UK, is an integrated community center, primary care practice, and research center investigating the social dimensions of health and well-being. It is pioneering ‘social prescribing’, whereby sufferers of depression and anxiety are connected with one of more than 100 community projects as holistic ‘antidepressants’. Such projects include regenerating derelict parks and alleyways with vegetable and flower gardens, community volunteer work and group craft sessions. Through the projects, patients develop long-term relationships with place as well as with one another; they bridge ethnic and social divides, and feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Learn more about social prescribing in this article, and more about the Bromley by Bow Centre here.

Photo by Reading Tom, Wikimedia Commons