Welcome to 'This Is The North' Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society.
In this revealing episode, Alison explores how a pioneering Newcastle-based initiative is transforming healthcare by looking beyond traditional medicine to address the social factors that truly determine our wellbeing, with two remarkable guests:
The conversation examines Ways to Wellness' innovative approach to health that addresses the \"wider determinants\" – housing, social connections, employment, and joy – and how these factors often have greater impact on health outcomes than medication alone. Through social prescribing, this groundbreaking organisation is demonstrating that listening, acknowledging grief, and creating space for joy can transform lives while potentially reducing pressure on the NHS.
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to The North Podcast
01:03 Understanding Ways to Wellness
02:04 The Role of Social Prescribers
02:51 Challenges in General Practice
07:09 Persistent Physical Symptoms Project
11:21 Impact and Feedback from Patients
18:27 Reducing NHS Costs and Hospital Admissions
20:00 Managing a Bespoke Service
22:56 Future of Ways to Wellness
24:55 Mental Health and Diagnostic Labels
32:23 Sustaining the Project
34:56 Conclusion and Contact Information
Throughout the discussion, Steffen shares his powerful \"orange box\" metaphor that illustrates how chronic pain gradually contracts life's joys until sometimes only pain remains. Ways to Wellness aims to expand that box again, creating space for patients to rediscover meaning while acknowledging their conditions.
As Dr. Joughin notes, \"We're not a sausage factory, we're individuals\" – challenging the NHS tendency toward economies of scale that often fail in healthcare delivery. The conversation concludes with reflections on sustainability and an invitation to innovators with ideas addressing social determinants of health.
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Host: Alison Dunn
Guests: Dr. Brigid Joughin, Steffen Laukard
This podcast is produced by Purpose Made, empowering change through intentional leadership and shared knowledge.
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