SOCIAL PRESCRIBING

 What is social prescribing?

Our health and wellbeing can be affected by various social, economic and environmental factors. Money worries, stress from work or family life can all contribute to the way we feel and act. GPs see many patients who suffer physically or mentally from these outside influences, these issues cannot be cured by medication or doctors alone. This is something which is already widely recognised by GPs and clinical staff.

Social prescribing, sometimes referred to as community referral, is where GPs, nurses and other primary care professionals refer people, directly or via a social prescribing link worker, to a variety of non-clinical services in their local area which can help to improve their health or other issues they are dealing with.

Who is Social Prescribing for?

As a population we are living longer, therefore long-term health conditions and the number of suffers is increasing. Society is not only affected by physical health issues but other factors which impact wellbeing. Including mental health, debt, financial issues, housing problems, social isolation, cultural integration and employment matters. Social prescribing can be used to improve the lives of anyone suffering from these issues, regardless of age or background.

Social prescribing works for a wide range of people, including people:

With long-term illnesses or conditions

With mental health needs

With complex social needs 7

Who are lonely or isolated

Who want to lose weight and get fit

Who need help with housing, financial or employment issues