Social prescribing: how link workers connect people to community support and who it is for

NHS England defines social prescribing as 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. The starting point is that many things that make people unwell, such as isolation, debt worries or a lack of purpose, cannot be fixed with a prescription.

Instead of asking what is the matter with you, the conversation focuses on what matters to you. The activity at the end might be a walking group, a community garden, a craft class, a befriending scheme or advice on practical problems, depending on what the person wants and what exists locally.

Social prescribing link workers are the central connectors. NHS England says they give people time to explore what matters to them, and work with them to develop a personalised care and support plan. They also support existing community groups and help establish new ones, so the supply of local activities grows alongside demand.

Plans are co-produced, meaning you shape them rather than receive them. A plan may include goals, the groups to try, who will help you take the first step, and when you will review how it is going.

NHS England says social prescribing works particularly well for people who have long-term conditions, need support with low-level mental health issues, are lonely or isolated, or have complex social needs that affect their wellbeing. Referrals come from local agencies such as charities, social care services and health services.

People with significant mental illness, thoughts of self-harm or a medical problem that needs investigation should still be assessed clinically. Social prescribing is described as complementing medical treatment, so it sits alongside GP care and specialist treatment, not in place of them.

• A GP or practice team may suggest it during a consultation.

• Charities and social care teams can also refer, so ask about it where you already receive support.

• Seek urgent help via NHS 111 or 999 if you are in crisis or at risk of harming yourself.

The NHS five steps to mental wellbeing start with connecting with others and include being active, learning new skills, giving to others and paying attention to the present moment. Many activities people are linked to through social prescribing touch several of these at once, for example a volunteering role that combines giving, learning and meeting people.

NHS inform likewise notes that group activity can reduce loneliness and directs people to Scotland's Service Directory for local health and wellbeing groups, which is one example of how a local directory supports the same aim.

The NHS Long Term Plan commitments cited by NHS England included placing 1,000 social prescribing link workers by 2020/21, achieving 900,000 referrals by 2023/24 and reaching 2.5 million people benefiting from personalised care by 2023/24. NHS England describes this as the biggest investment in social prescribing by any national health system.

These are targets set by the health service rather than measures of individual benefit. Availability today varies by area, so the best step is to ask your GP surgery or local authority what link worker support exists near you.