Social prescribing and community-based support
Social Prescribing is about connecting people to non-medical support so we can all improve our wellbeing and health.
The type of support may vary but is often based in local communities, for example:
- Social groups, friendship or emotional support
- Art, music, writing or other creative / special interest activities
- Housing or financial advice
- Ways to look after ourselves or be more physically active
- Opportunities to build confidence, gain skills or reduce anxiety
- Support for families, carers and other close relationships
- Parks, getting out into nature or exploring where we live
- Services and information to help people get out and about.
Anyone in our health and social care workforce can play their part in connecting people to community-based support.
Roles such as care navigators, occupational therapists, health and wellbeing coaches or care coordinators; and services such as the Wellbeing Service all help to give information and making linking to the right support easier for people.
Sometimes people might need a bit more help to unpick what's important for them, set goals and begin to try new things. This is where a Social Prescribing Link Worker may be able to help.
How to refer
Most GP surgeries can make referrals directly from their clinical system.
If you are not based within a GP surgery, you can make a referral into Social Prescribing by contacting the relevant Primary Care Network team. To find the contact details click here.
Useful Links
'What is social prescribing?' This article from The Kings Fund gives background information and evidence about social prescribing:
www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/social-prescribing
National Academy for Social Prescribing - information for people, social prescribing link workers, other health and social care staff and voluntary/community organisations:
www.socialprescribingacademy.org.uk
