09/10/2026 Lived Experiences: Social Prescribing and Mental Health

This World Mental Health Day, we're celebrating the role social prescribing plays in supporting mental health and wellbeing. By connecting people with personalised practical, social and emotional support, social prescribing helps individuals take positive steps towards a healthier and more connected life. 

Mental health is a key area of social prescribing practice. NASP's 2026 Link Worker Survey found that mental health support services were the most common destination for referrals, while the relationship and support provided by link workers was identified as the greatest driver of positive impact. Through listening, trust and community connections, link workers help people find a way forward during some of the most challenging periods of their lives. 

Disclaimer: mentions of depression and suicide below. 

For someone going through depression, social anxiety, or dealing with past trauma, speaking to a stranger can be very overwhelming. They may feel terrified to explain themselves or speak in the group or even to meet someone new. They may not feel ready to ask for help and it may become more distressing and isolating when there are long wait lists.  

As a Mental Health Social Prescriber, I have seen how valuable it can be to support them during this uncertain phase. Sometimes people do not need someone to tell them what to do, but they need someone who will listen to them without judgement, help them to think things through and reassure them that they do not have to make every decision at once.  

Through a few compassionate conversations, Social Prescribing can help people feel less alone and consider their options at their own pace. It can help them to build confidence to take the next step whether that is engaging with the talking therapy, exploring other support options, discussing treatment with the doctor or taking a step back and needing more time to make a decision about what matters most to them. In times when they have multiple issues, it also helps them to prioritize wellbeing solutions to address issues one at a time.  

The patient, pseudonym 'Yulia', had been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, was taking prescribed anti-depressants and experienced situational panic attacks. Yulia had experienced a series of traumatic and life-changing events throughout her life. She had recently been made redundant from a well-paid professional career, was experiencing substantial debt, and was experiencing difficult relationships with her family.  

Following a significant decline in her mental health, including an attempt to take her own life, Yulia was referred to social prescribing. Yulia felt overwhelmed by her circumstances and unsure of where to begin to regain control over her life. She worked with her social prescribing link worker, Victoria, to make positive steps to improve her life. 

What Matters to Me? 

Yulia and her link worker Victoria explored the areas of her life having the greatest impact on her wellbeing through an initial 'what matters to me?' conversation. While she was facing many interconnected challenges, Yulia's financial situation was identified as her most pressing concern. Although she hoped to return to employment in the future, Yulia recognised that she was not emotionally well enough to pursue this goal at that stage and wished to focus first on achieving greater stability and reducing the pressures she was experiencing. 

Financial Wellbeing 

Support initially focused on improving Yulia's financial situation. She received support to apply for Universal Credit, including the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element, and later successfully retained her Personal Independence Payment (PIP) award for a further ten years. Support was also provided to address debt-related concerns, including securing a Breathing Space arrangement. As her financial situation improved, Yulia reported feeling less overwhelmed and more able to consider her future. 

Employment Support 

Once Yulia felt more stable financially and emotionally, discussions turned towards employment goals. She was introduced to Project Empowerment, a programme designed to help individuals overcome health-related barriers to employment and develop the confidence and skills needed to find and maintain work. Yulia successfully completed the course and reported increased confidence, improved self-esteem, and greater belief in her ability to return to the workplace. 

A New Beginning 

Yulia was referred into Social Prescribing at a point of significant crisis, with complex emotional, financial, and practical challenges affecting every area of her life. Through a trusting therapeutic relationship, personalised goal setting, practical support, and connection to specialist services and community resources, she was able to move from a position of hopelessness and uncertainty to one of stability, independence, and optimism. 

Yulia is now debt free, mortgage free, engaged in employment, living closer to her support network, enjoying an improved relationship with her daughter, and has developed practical tools and resilience that continue to support her mental wellbeing. Most importantly, she has regained belief in herself and confidence in her future. 

At the end of support, Yulia shared the following reflection:

Mental health is influenced by many aspects of our lives. Social prescribing recognises this by helping people address the practical, social and emotional challenges that can affect wellbeing. They help people to take their first steps, at their own pace, towards a healthier, more connected life. These stories demonstrate that social prescribing is not simply about referring people to services. It is about listening, building trust, and helping people identify what matters most to them.  

Thank you to these link workers for providing these lived experiences of social prescribing. See below to learn more about social prescribing and mental health.