Supporting older people through social prescribing
We are excited to introduce our latest report on the Social Prescribing Pilots for Older People Facing Financial Hardship. These pilots explored ways to support older people struggling financially by integrating financial wellbeing into community-led social prescribing initiatives. Through these two pilots in Hastings and Leicester and a national training programme, we have gained valuable insights into improving financial stability – such as increasing income and reducing costs - wellbeing, and community connections.
Why this matters
Many older people facing financial hardship do not know where to turn. Social prescribing connects them with financial advice, emotional wellbeing support, and social activities. By working within communities, this approach ensures help is accessible and relevant.
Key findings
Although small-scale, the pilots showed community-led social prescribing has a significant impact. The report highlights:
Financial and emotional wellbeing: Participants improved financially and socially.
Community organisations' role: The voluntary sector is key to making social prescribing effective.
Success factors
Co-design and co-production: Engaging locals makes services more relevant and effective and culturally appropriate.
Integrated support: Financial wellbeing combined with other support maximises health and wellbeing benefits.
Strengths-based approaches: Encouraging confidence and resilience.
Practical help: Immediate impact of increasing income and reducing costs.
Trusting relationships: Strong community ties with local people and local organisations foster trust.
Integrated working: Joint working between Primary Care Networks (PCN) and community led social prescribers
Sustainability of funding: Longer term funding ensures the building of trust and the embedding of impact and continuity of progress
Challenges and areas for improvement
Challenges included difficulty engaging older people, fragmentation between NHS and Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) services, and short-term funding. Many were unfamiliar with the name social prescribing, showing a need for clearer communication about the function.
Looking ahead
These pilots demonstrated community led social prescribing’s potential. Better health system integration between voluntary sector and health care services, stronger collaboration between PCN and local community social prescribing, sustainable funding, will ensure long-term success.
We invite policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community organisations to explore this report and apply its lessons. Together, we can build a more connected, supportive system for older people facing poverty.
Download the full report for more insights and recommendations.
