13 Oct 2025
“I lost my home and my business, social prescribing saved me”
Outi Salokannas went on a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy course but was still struggling to get her life back on track, until her GP referred her to one of our social prescribers.
When Outi Salokannas lost her business and her home soon after, the stress left her feeling as though she was having a heart attack. After being told it was a panic attack, her GP referred her for mental health support.
“I’d never experienced anything like it before so it was really scary,” said Outi, who lives in London. “I’d lost my business due to Covid and had been shielding as I only have one kidney, so it was a really difficult time. I had no contact with friends for months other than over the phone or social media – it was a very dark time.”
After starting Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Outi was introduced to one of our Social Prescribers. “At first, I didn’t use a particular service. I was simply connected to my link worker who listened to me with a kind and patient ear,” she said. “She would meet me regularly and as I’d been shielding this was an important first step for me.”
Later, group sessions and nature walks at Morden Hall Park helped her rebuild confidence and reconnect with others. “My link worker was amazing,” she said. “She answered all my questions, guided me in the right direction to help with my housing situation and helped me to get the support I needed.”
Outi’s story shows how the right support, offered at the right time, can help people recover and rediscover purpose.
At Merton Connected, our Social Prescribers are based in every GP practice across Merton. They help residents find local, practical, and emotional support that goes beyond medicine; from help with stress, loneliness, advice on finances or the impact of living with chronic illness.
If you need support, speak to your GP practice about social prescribing. You are not alone.