The National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) are pleased to launch new guidance for Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Social Prescribing Link Workers (SPLWs), highlighting how the two roles can work together effectively.
The guidance aims to strengthen collaboration between OTs and SPLWs at a time when health and care systems are under increasing pressure, and as services move towards more neighbourhood-based, preventative and personalised models of care.
People often need support with a range of issues that affect their health and wellbeing, from managing daily activities and staying independent, to loneliness, housing, debt, confidence and connection to community life. No single role or service can meet all of these needs alone.
The guidance sets out the distinct but complementary contributions of each role. SPLWs provide non-clinical, person-centred support, building trusted relationships and connecting people to community resources, groups and activities that can improve wellbeing, confidence and social connection. OTs bring clinical expertise in function, independence, daily activities, and the relationship between people and their environment.
When these roles work well together, they can help provide more joined-up support around the whole person, rather than care being delivered through separate or disconnected services.
The guidance also draws on emerging examples of practice where collaboration between SPLWs and OTs is already making a difference. This includes supporting people to maintain independence, build confidence, reconnect with their communities and access the right support at the right time. It can also help reduce duplication, support more appropriate use of services, and ease pressure across the wider system.
By embedding both roles within multidisciplinary teams, the guidance shows how earlier intervention, better communication and clearer referral pathways can improve people’s experience of care and support smoother transitions between services.
This practical guidance is designed to support SPLWs, OTs, managers and system leaders to make the most of both roles within neighbourhood health and care models.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the guidance, including:
- Yasmin Zaman, Social Prescribing Link Worker
- Kim Dutton, Occupational Therapist
- Claire Shanahan, Occupational Therapist
- Monica Boulton, National Academy for Social Prescribing
- Joanna Vallom-Smith, Royal College of Occupational Therapists
