Over 100 patients referred to Social Prescribing Link Workers, usually by their GPs, took part in a survey by the Patients Association. Patients highlighted the positive difference social prescribing has made to their lives and the value of link workers. They experienced improved mental wellbeing, confidence, social connections and access to local services.
They described the relationship with their link worker as having the greatest impact - someone who listened without judgement, understood their individual circumstances and identified support that reflected their needs.
Genuinely the best interaction within the NHS in my life, (my link worker) is fantastic and changed my experience completely around for the best.
- More than three-quarters of respondents (76%) reported they felt like an equal partner in decisions about their care made with their link worker, far higher than in other parts of the NHS (only 42% in the Patients Association's wider patient experience survey).
- More than three-quarters (76%) felt their link worker spent enough time with them. This contrasts with other parts of the health system, where limited appointment times can make it difficult to discuss the wider factors affecting health. The vast majority of respondents (85%) said they felt comfortable speaking to their link worker.
- More than 90% of patients surveyed said that link workers connected them to services they did not previously know about - social prescribing plays a vital role in bridging the gap between the NHS and wider support.
I wouldn't be here without social prescribers, they have changed my life completely at a point where I didn't know where to turn to for help anymore.
Social Prescribing Link Workers support patients with social issues affecting their health and wellbeing – including loneliness, debt, housing problems and complex social needs. They connect people to community-based support including community groups, physical activity sessions, benefits advice or housing support.
More than half of respondents to the survey continued attending activities after their formal support had ended - social prescribing helps establish lasting connections with community support and has long-term benefits.
Patients also highlighted the areas that they felt most needed improving - including more public awareness about social prescribing, increasing the activities and services available, and ensuring link workers have enough time to support people.
Patients told us that social prescribing can make a real difference to their lives. The relationships they build with link workers, and the time and attention they receive, help patients feel like equal partners in their care. The principle is simple: ask people what matters to them, listen to the answer, and work with them to find the right support.
These findings show what patient-centred care looks like when people have the time and space to talk about their lives. We must protect the time and relationships that make social prescribing work and make this part of the standard of care patients can expect across the NHS.
This provides further evidence alongside other research into the benefits of social prescribing for health and wellbeing. A nationwide evaluation of social prescribing outcomes (March 2026), with more than 19,000 patients, shows that social prescribing improves patient experience and achieves better outcomes, with an estimated return of £9 for each £1 invested, based on improvements in life satisfaction.
There are currently around 3,300 link workers, and as the research shows, they play a vital role in neighbourhood health. However, the number of link workers has gradually fallen – by about 10% over the last two years – and there are concerns that changes to funding arrangements through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme could lead to a further decline.
The research findings emphasise just how much social prescribing means to people who have had this support and the opportunity to make it a sustainable part of prevention and health care. We believe this person-centre approach is a solution to a health system facing growing demand, rising levels of mental ill health and increasing pressure on services.
“This strengthens an already solid evidence base for social prescribing. We want to ensure that the patient experience remains central to the development of social prescribing policy and practice. We’re committed to driving partnerships and there is a need for investment so that social prescribing is embedded and widespread.
The research highlights the importance of a strong social prescribing system integrated with other services. Social Prescribing Link Workers are at its core, helping people access community-based support and activities that have a lasting effect on health and wellbeing.
I did things I thought impossible.
