What is social prescribing?
Social prescribing is a key component of Universal Personalised Care. It is an approach that connects people to activities, groups, and services within their community to meet the practical, social, and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing.
In social prescribing, local agencies such as local charities, social care and health services refer people to a social prescribing link worker. Social prescribing link workers give people time, focusing on ‘what matters to me?’
This holistic approach may include connecting people to local community groups, support and statutory services, or other health professionals for practical, emotional, and social support with their health and wellbeing.
Social prescribing is an all-age, whole population approach that works particularly well for people who:
- Have one or more long term health condition.
- Who need support with low level mental health issues.
- Who are lonely or isolated.
- Who have complex social needs that is affecting their wellbeing.
Importantly, the social prescribing approach empowers people to take control over their health and wellbeing.
