Evidence Social prescribing and mental health

The National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) has published an evidence note briefly looking at the link between mental health and social prescribing.

• Evidence suggests social prescribing is a service model that can address some of the more common mental health difficulties experienced by individuals in the UK
  • Non-medical referrals such as befriending services, practical information including benefits and financial advice, community activities, arts and culture and physical activities, and those that take place in nature can alleviate issues relating to loneliness, stress, mild to moderate depression, and anxiety
  • Whilst there is a lot of varied evidence to suggest that social prescribing plays an important role in alleviating mental health concerns, more robust evidence is needed