Information on Social Prescribing
Dr Xand
- Published
What is Social Prescribing?
Many things that affect our health can't be treated by doctors or medicine alone.
Social prescribing is an approach that connects people to activities, groups, and services in their community to meet the practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. It often begins with a referral from a GP, hospital, charity or other organisation to a Social Prescribing Link Worker.
Link workers listen to people and try to understand their situation, and what matters to them. They can then connect people to the best support that's available in the community - which could be anything from support for housing or debt to helping someone join a choir, a wild swimming group or exploring local museums or historic places, where they can meet new people and do something they enjoy.
How to Access Social Prescribing:
Social prescribing works for a wide range of people, including those:
With long-term conditions
Who need support with their mental health
Who are lonely or isolated
Who have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing.
The NHS social prescribing team works closely with the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP).
You can head to their website to read more about what social prescribing is and what it can offer you, by clicking here., external
