GPs ‘prescribe’ social schemes in bid to improve wellbeing

It is estimated that one in five GP appointments are related to social rather than medical reasons – like loneliness, isolation and financial worries – reflecting that our health is shaped by wider issues in our lives.

Social prescribing – connecting people to practical and emotional support – has the potential to address these sorts of problems and improve our collective health and wellbeing.

This can look like different things to different people. What might work for one person, wouldn’t work for another. Which is why link workers – often based in GP surgeries – play such a crucial role.

They have the time to get to know people and learn about the wider circumstances that are impacting their health. Working together, the link worker and patient then make a plan to access support, activities or resources that will help boost their health and wellbeing.

Whether people join a befriending group, an exercise class, a dementia choir or get help with complex problems with money and housing, this has the power to transform lives.

For example, there can be benefits in spending time in the natural environment for our mental health – including increased wellbeing, happiness, resilience, and reduced social isolation.

But while some people may find it easy to take part in outdoor activities, others do not. 

People may not live near public green space, may struggle to afford transport, or may have a disability that makes it harder for them to go outside. 

Many people simply lack confidence or feel socially isolated and worried about joining in.
That is why we have been a partner with the NHS, Government Departments and a range of organisations to test how to make ‘green social prescribing’ available more widely.

By connecting the health system with amazing local organisations, we can improve access to local walking schemes, community gardening projects, conservation volunteering and green gyms, among others.

In 2019, the NHS rolled out social prescribing as part of additional support available in GP practices. Since then there have been more than 1.9 million referrals to a link worker in England.

Social prescribing exists because when life gets tough, it can be hard to navigate services and support. Whether it’s a local Park Run, art group, or help with debt, social prescribing can make a big difference to your life and improve your health.