AN Inchinnan woman has praised a project which has helped more than 1,000 people across Renfrewshire by providing them with a different kind of prescription.

Marwyn Doran got her life back when she was suffering from anxiety thanks to the Community Connectors programme, which is funded by Renfrewshire’s Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP).

The project, which now works with all 29 GP surgeries in Renfrewshire, provides a pathway to support for patients for whom medical intervention isn’t the most appropriate route.

Those experiencing problems such as social and financial struggles receive help from a ‘social prescriber’, who refers them on to local organisations so they can get the targeted support they need.

The 68-year-old, who was referred to Recovery Across Mental Health (RAMH) by her GP two years ago, said: “Your family don’t know how to help you. I was at the end of my tether and I was too scared to go out.”

As well as RAMH, the project has worked in partnership with Linstone Housing Association and voluntary sector organisation, Active Communities, since the scheme was set up in October 2016.

For more visit www.renfrewshire.hscp.scot.