Many thinks that affect our health can't be fixed by doctors and medicine alone
Social prescribing connects people to non-medical support to address these issues and other unmet needs. Social Prescribing Link Workers, or equivalent roles, help people overcome all sorts of challenges, including debt, housing, loneliness, mental health and long-term conditions.
This might look like:
- Helping someone who is isolated join a befriending group, an art class or a community gardening project, based on what works for them
- Connecting someone struggling with financial stress to a service that helps with managing debt or claiming benefits
- Supporting someone with dementia to join a dementia choir, enabling them to maintain a sense of social connection
- Working with someone with high blood pressure to take up a form of exercise that they’re comfortable with.
Social prescribing can help change the circumstances that can make people unwell. It can empower people to manage existing health problems, to get the right benefits or get back into employment. It can help people to connect and to grow in confidence.
At NASP, we know that behind every conversation, and every referral, there is a powerful story. We want to hear yours.
Why your story matters
We want to spread the word about what social prescribing looks like, and how it helps. Real stories show how things like financial advice, community groups, creative activities and health partnerships are making a real difference.
These stories also help us highlight the growing role of social prescribing in tackling the wider causes of poor health, from money worries to loneliness. They are vital for raising awareness, inspiring others and showing how social prescribing works within a healthcare system.
Share your social prescribing story
We've made it simple to get involved. Simply complete our online form to tell us your story, or the story of someone you have worked with or supported within a social prescribing project.
