How does social prescribing for children and young people work in practice? What impact have different projects had? And how do we join up a system that can seem complex and confusing?
We are delighted to have published a new flipbook setting out how social prescribing can support children and young people's mental health.
Building on our Connected to Thrive report, the flipbook outlines how social prescribing can fit into a joined-up system, from prevention to treatment, and highlights 17 examples of innovative projects.
Thank you to The Linbury Trust for their generous support for this flipbook.
Connecting the System Children and Young People's Social Prescribing in Action
What is social prescribing for children and young people?
Social prescribing involves connecting people to non-medical activities and services that help improve their health and wellbeing. It is a way of tackling the root causes of mental health problems - like loneliness, isolation or problems with money, housing or addiction - and helping people to live the best lives they can.
There are different models for how social prescribing works in practice for children and young people. Typically, a young person is identified as requiring support by a health professional or someone at their school or in their community. They could then be referred to a link worker or another role who helps them make a plan and connects them to support. They might take part in a wide range of activities - from sport to art to archaeology - or get practical support for issues that are affecting them.
The flipbook also highlights projects that could form part of a wider social prescribing system – including wellbeing measurement programmes and collaborations between the health system, schools and community organisations.
Does social prescribing for children and young people work?
There is growing evidence to show that social prescribing can support children and young people's mental health and that it is cost-effective.
What is the future for social prescribing for children and young people?
Connected to Thrive is our vision for the future of social prescribing for children and young people.
The vision is based on extensive consultation with youth and mental health organisations, NHS leaders, Link Workers, researchers and experts, as well as young people themselves.
Training and learning
If you would like to find out about training and learning opportunities for children and young people's social prescribing, you can join the Social Prescribing Youth Network. You can also register your interest in our new e-learning. It’s designed for anyone working with or supporting children and young people through social prescribing, and will help you build practical skills, confidence, and knowledge.
