New research from the University of Manchester has highlighted the “vital role” of Social Prescribing Link Workers in England and Scotland, indicating that they are “increasingly supporting patients with the fundamental social determinants of health, especially in socioeconomically deprived areas.”
The paper suggests that these patients, who may be experiencing problems with debt, benefits or housing, “commonly also have multiple, complex health needs, including mental illnesses”.
The research is based on 130 interviews with link workers, patients, referring professionals and voluntary sector professionals. It highlights the benefits of social prescribing for both patients and health professionals:
“Many GPs reported the benefits of having a Social Prescribing Link Worker in the practice, including a reduction in their own stress levels and moral distress at not being able to provide the care they wanted to, especially for patients with complex needs living in under-resourced areas.”
However, it also identified a range of challenges, including around a need for enhanced training for link workers, the importance of clear boundaries and the need for stable funding models to ensure sustainability.
It highlighted the importance of educating GPs and primary care teams on social prescribing to ensure the most appropriate care for patients.
Key themes in the paper included:
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The varied professional backgrounds of link workersÂ
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The changing role of link workers, with an increase in patients with highly complex needs, often related to mental health or challenges around finances or housingÂ
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The importance of link workers being able to build a “therapeutic relationship” with patients – and how their ability to do this depends on their training, background and supportÂ
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The benefits of social prescribing for patients, helping them to build confidence and increase independenceÂ
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The benefits for health professionals, reducing “moral distress” and potentially reducing workload for GPsÂ
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Employment models, organisations and managementÂ
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Challenges and sustainability – including around job retention, burnout, career progression as well as pressure on funding and services. Â
The research echoes many of the findings of NASP’s 2025 Link Worker survey, which highlighted the important role of training and resources for link workers, funding for programmes and greater understanding of the role within the wider NHS.Â
“This is a thorough and fair picture of how social prescribing works in primary care, which resonates with what we see in practice. Link workers are increasingly supporting people with complex needs, and playing a vital role in helping people address problems around money, employment, housing and addiction, joining the dots between the health system and support and services in local communities.
“While this support is invaluable, link workers cannot be a substitute for strong and accessible public services, and it is important that they have the capacity, training, support and supervision they need to work effectively. This research will help us further advocate for increased investment and shape our offer of support to link workers and primary care leaders to help social prescribing to thrive.”
Find out more about how we support link workers: Supporting Link Workers - National Academy for Social Prescribing | NASPÂ
