When life gets tough, social prescribing can help Supporting You and Your Loved Ones

Social prescribing involves helping you take part in social activities or get practical support to improve your health and wellbeing. From befriending services to debt advice, gardening groups to art clubs, it is based on what matters to you. 

Some parts of the UK have a local social prescribing service that you can contact directly. You can also call your GP practice and ask about social prescribing in your area.

There are also many other ways to find out about activities and groups for yourself or a loved one. 

You can:

• Search online for an activity you (or they) might enjoy
• Find online directories of charities and events in your area
• Look for notices or ask in your nearest library, place of worship, leisure centre, community centre, or even your local shop
• Read your local newspapers

The following list of charities and organisations are set up to provide help in specific areas:

• The Money and Pensions Service offers support and advice to improve your financial wellbeing
• Citizens Advice can help with everything from housing and immigration to legal problems
• You can find advice about improving your mental and physical health at NHS Live Well
• Get a free, personalised mental health plan from the NHS at Every Mind Matters
• Find out how to get active with We are Undefeatable
• Get support for dementia care at Music for Dementia
• Find bereavement services in your area via At A Loss

Ask your GP about social prescribing in your area. If it’s available locally, and your doctor thinks it will be suitable, they can refer you to a link worker (also called a social prescriber).

A Social Prescribing Link Worker is a person who can connect you with the activities and advice that most effectively relieve your problems. They form the “link” between the health service and support organisations such as charities, and agencies that provide advice on money or housing.

During your appointments, the link worker will:

• Listen to you
• Make sure they understand what’s going on in your life
• Find out what’s important to you (this includes your likes and dislikes)
• Connect you with the best support

If you have complex needs, it’s likely you will access social prescribing through a link worker. But there are many other people who can guide you to relevant support in your community. For instance:

• Health professionals including health and wellbeing coaches or mental health navigators
• Many charity workers and volunteers
• Faith leaders and youth workers

Yes, in some parts of England, you can self-refer. Your local social prescribing service may have a website or helpline that you can contact. If in doubt, ask your GP if social prescribing is available in your area. If it isn’t, there’s nothing to stop you from self-referring to activities using the suggestions on this page. You can find some more ideas for activities and services below. 

Voluntary organisations and community groups are at the heart of social prescribing. These organisations come in many different shapes and sizes. They include informal groups, local charities, and national organisations. They provide the activities and support that improves health and wellbeing for people in their communities.

Social prescribing is a whole-person approach. It can work alongside medical treatment, complementing and enhancing its positive effect. It can be an alternative to pills and traditional therapies. And sometimes, even reduces the need for a medical prescription.

Social prescribing can help break down the unfair barriers that stand in the way of good health. If financial problems, location, or cultural issues are preventing you from getting the help you need, ask your GP about social prescribing.