Does social prescribing work? Read the evidence

Evidence on Social Prescribing

How effective is social prescribing? Our briefings and visual guides give a clear overview of existing evidence. They point to the success of social prescribing initiatives. And they identify where we need to do more research. You can come back to this page to download up-to-date evidence whenever you need.

  • Briefing and Rapid Evidence Review

    Nature

    Nature-based social prescribing can have positive effects on health and wellbeing. The reduction in loneliness and development of a nature connection was particularly found in people likely to be experiencing health
    inequalities.

  • Briefing and Rapid Evidence Review

    Financial, social and legal social prescribing

    A key part of social prescribing is to help people deal with practical issues. Support with finance, social welfare and legal advice has been shown to have a positive impact on health and wellbeing. 

  • Briefing and Rapid Evidence Review

    Physical Activity

    A referral to take part in physical activity can lead to a wide range of benefits, including improvements in physical and mental health, increased patient empowerment, and a reduction in health service use and costs.

  • Briefing and Rapid Evidence Review

    Older People

    As the proportion of older people in our population continues to rise, it is important that the health and social care system is able to meet their needs. Social prescribing can support older people with poverty in five main ways: supporting food insecurity; supporting fuel poverty; supporting financial management; supporting digital inclusion; supporting social vulnerability.

Menu

opens in new window