Welcome to Joy – a new NHS website which connects people in need to key services, including New Futures

We are happy to be part of a new NHS website which makes it easier for people struggling with their health to find a support service in their community which will help them in their recovery.

The Joy site – which you’ll find here – lists a broad range of services provided by the NHS, local authorities, and the voluntary and community sector – including The New Futures Project – in one place.

The site’s philosophy is based on the concept of ‘social prescribing’ – the practice of connecting people to activities, groups and services which will meet the “practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing”.  

In a statement launching the site, the local NHS said: “This approach is an effective and holistic way of addressing people’s needs, acknowledging that their health and wellbeing are largely influenced by social, economic, and environmental factors.

“From fitness and art classes to carer support, diabetes self-help groups, food banks, counselling, and Age UK services, the Joy website will point people in the right direction.

“Social prescribing has gained significant traction in recent years. Approximately 20% of patients consult their GP primarily for social issues, and loneliness is a growing social issue.

“In the UK, 49.63% of adults (25.99 million people) reported feeling lonely occasionally, sometimes, often or always (2022).

“People experiencing loneliness visit their GP more often and have associated health issues such as depression, anxiety, and poor cardiovascular health (University of Sheffield, 2021).”

Rachna Vyas, chief operating officer at the NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, said: “We are delighted to be launching the Joy website, bringing together local support, in a single place, at the touch of a button.

“We particularly want to make it easier for people with the most need to find better help, whether it’s support for their mental health, wanting to be more physically active, or just finding support groups close to where they live. 

“Our ambition is that Joy becomes a way that everybody connects, resulting in better mental health and wellbeing across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.”

Local GP Dr Leslie Borrill said: “It is fantastic that GP practices are now connected to Joy ahead of this launch. 

“It will transform how GPs and our wider team will ensure our patients receive the best care and support when they visit our surgeries.”

New Futures was set up to support women involved in sex work.

However, we have evolved into a comprehensive welfare and counselling service for women and young people dealing with sexual abuse or exploitation, domestic violence, trafficking, poverty and debt, substance use or mental ill-health.

Call us on 0116 251 0803 or send us a message at: info@new-futures.org.uk

You can find us at 71 London Road, Leicester, LE2 0PE.

We publish a monthly newsletter to tell the stories of the women we support and to round up all the things we’ve been doing. 

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