Meet Pri Dissanayake

My journey began with a degree and a postgraduate studies in Business Management and Accountancy, which led to a successful 12-year career in banking, finance, and management. But while that chapter of my life gave me structure and skills, I felt a deeper calling, one that revolved around care, compassion, and supporting others through life’s challenges.

That calling led me to join the NHS, where I spent six deeply fulfilling years at Kingston Hospital, working in cancer and palliative care services. I supported patients and their families in developing personalised Advance Care Plans, often during the most vulnerable times in their lives. This experience, though emotionally demanding, was profoundly rewarding and fuelled my passion to help people feel acknowledged, heard and empowered.

 

From Healthcare to Holistic Wellbeing

Following my time in the NHS, I transitioned into the charity sector to help deliver Social Prescribing, an NHS initiative designed to support people through non-medical interventions. I worked directly with individuals referred by GPs for challenges such as:

Stress and low mood

Social isolation

Long-term health conditions

Relationship issues

Bereavement

Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise

Burnout

Work life imbalance

Employment and finances

Advance care planning

 

This allowed me to connect deeply with individuals, understanding not just their health, but their lived experiences and their ongoing challenges.

I went on to lead and manage social prescribing services across two major charities, delivering NHS contracts focused on mental health and wellbeing. Most recently, I worked as the Service Manager delivering an NHS contract, supporting young people, parents  and carers across London who experience mental health challenges.

 

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