GIVEN the disastrous impact of austerity, anything that relieves pressure on the NHS is obviously welcome.

Encouraging self-help, rather than handing out ever-increasing doses of costly medication to all comers, is a no-brainer.

‘Social prescribing’, it’s called. And according to health research charity the King’s Fund, while results are hard to quantify it really does seem to boost people’s sense of wellbeing, and ease anxiety and depression.

It’s not just about jollying us along with advice to join a gym and cut out the cakes.

For my sins, I’m on the patients’ panel at Salisbury Medical Centre, and at a meeting last week I was surprised to discover what a range of informal, volunteer-led support cafes and drop-in groups the practice hosts, not just for its own patients but for anyone who might benefit.

They cater for people with brain injuries, with MS, with fibromyalgia (ME is soon to be included), with tinnitus …

I imagine they could be real lifesavers if you feel no-one else understands what you’re going through.

Likewise, if you’re one of our growing army of unpaid carers, it can help to share the stress, and there’s even a specific group for people caring for military veterans.

How widespread is compulsive hoarding? Clearly more than I realised, since it, too, has its own recently-formed support group, hosted by professional declutterer Trish Heaney, who is eager to help “anyone who feels overwhelmed by their belongings”.

Hoarding is recognised as a mental health condition, and the practice’s communications lead, Katy Gillingham, says it’s something that sufferers often don’t want to talk about, but family members are welcome, too, to seek Trish’s guidance.

Action on Hearing Loss sessions offer hearing aid checks and advice, and can direct people to a wider social support network.

Knit & Natter does what it says on the tin, and its inclusive nature makes it very popular, says Katy.

If you want to talk through deeper issues, on the other hand, there’s The Listening Place, manned by sympathetic, non-judgmental listeners who aim to enable you to find your own solutions.

Writing For Wellbeing (no pressure to read out your efforts!) meets twice a month, and is going so well that facilitator Frances Owen is looking at starting a second group at Bemerton Heath.

That’s also where you’ll find an over-55s Tai Chi class which is dementia-friendly.

And finally, there’s a fortnightly Make-Up Café, for those who’d never venture near one of those daunting department store cosmetics counters.

Here, make-up artist Nina Westbury will assist people who are referred from hospital with disfiguring injuries or changes in their skin caused by chemotherapy. What a great idea.

Details of all these activities are on the Salisbury Medical Practice website under the heading Self-Help Centre.

Also there you’ll find information about drop-in sessions with Wiltshire Council health trainers for those who just want to get back in shape.

I had no idea so much was going on, and if by writing about it I can help anyone who’s having a hard time, I’ll be a happy bunny.

anneriddle36@gmail.com