Social prescribing

Here you will find further information and resources specifically for Social Prescribing Link Workers and Managers, Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS).

One in five GP appointments focus on wider social needs, rather than acute medical issues. In areas of high deprivation, many GPs report that they spend significant amounts of time dealing with the consequences of poor housing, debt, stress, loneliness, and physical inactivity. These factors are not amenable to traditional health interventions.

Social prescribing presents the NHS and local authorities with an opportunity to help people make use of existing community services, resources and facilities which can help them manage or overcome these social factors.

Social prescribing and community-based support is part of the NHS Long Term Plan’s commitment to make personalised care business as usual across the health and care system and to bring additional capacity into the multi-disciplinary team within Primary Care Networks. This approach aims to reduce pressure on clinicians, improve people’s lives through improved and timely access to health services, strengthen community resilience, reduce health inequalities, and meet the needs of our diverse and multi-cultural communities.

By increasing people’s active involvement with their local diverse communities and finding the right support, they can feel more empowered to take control of their lives.

Social prescribing support