The National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) has published a new report outlining how social prescribing could play a greater role in supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Connected To Thrive is based on extensive consultation with youth and mental health organisations, NHS leaders, Link Workers, researchers and experts, as well as young people themselves.
It sets out an ambitious plan for the future, in which far more children, young people and families would receive tailored, community-based support for the social factors affecting their mental health – from loneliness to family problems to homelessness or addiction.
The report proposes that specialist children and young people’s Link Workers would be available far more widely, working with both GP practices and local community organisations, to support young people and families based on their personal circumstances and preferences.
Link Workers would have the time to get to know young people and help them access a wide range of “social prescriptions” – activities and services that can support their mental health, using physical activity, music, creativity, nature, or providing practical help for complex issues around money, housing or employment. There are already a wide range of excellent projects available, but too often they lack sustainable funding or are not well enough connected to NHS services.
The report proposes a joined-up system, in which schools, youth organisations, GP practices and hospitals would all be able to make referrals to Link Workers or directly to local projects, and where a wide range of staff would have training in taking a “social prescribing approach”.
Social prescribing has been an established part of NHS care for adults in England since 2019, with GPs able to refer patients to Social Prescribing Link Workers. However, it is far less advanced for children and young people, and the model is different.
Charlotte Osborn-Forde, Chief Executive of NASP, said:
“There are a huge number of pressures that can affect children and young people’s mental health, often related to complex social issues. Our vision for the future is about supporting young people and families with the practical challenges they face, but also helping them feel a sense of belonging, purpose and creativity.
“This means building on the excellent services that already exist, but joining the dots between them more effectively.”
The report’s recommendations include:
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Embedding children and young people’s social prescribing in national strategies and partnerships. This would include establishing a national Children and Young People’s Social Prescribing partnership
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Growing the workforce. Specialist Children and Young People’s Social Prescribing Link Workers should be available in every area, working closely with NHS primary care and mental health teams, as well as with charities, youth and community groups and schools. Link Workers would also be available to support children in hospitals and their families
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Supporting the development of high-quality programmes and systems through training and standards. This would include establishing a new Learning Collaborative, and introducing a training programme for a wide range of professionals who work with children and young people in taking a “social prescribing approach”
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Investing in “social prescriptions” – tailored, community-based activities and services designed to support children and young people’s mental health, free at the point of access
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Raising awareness of the approach among professionals, young people and families.
The report was made possible thanks to the generous support of The Sam West Foundation and the Linbury Trust.
Alongside Connected To Thrive, NASP is also publishing a Training and Development Review for Children and Young People’s Social Prescribing.
