This page aims to raise awareness and highlight the benefits of social prescribing not only in general practice but across all areas of nursing and the wider health care environment.
Different models and approaches to social prescribing are also highlighted. There are also links to associated and relevant resources, whilst not an exhaustive list, nurses can choose what models and information will be most appropriate for them and their practice population.
Social prescribing enables healthcare professionals to refer patients to a vast range of local non-medical services that offer support for social, emotional or practical needs. Many Clinical Commissioning Groups and local authorities are already investing in social prescribing schemes, which are run mainly by the voluntary sector. The Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) group have been running social prescribing projects for many years.
Examples include:
- gardening schemes
- healthy eating/exercise
- singing groups
- walking football
- ballet for all ages.
In the recently published NHS Long Term Plan (NHS LTP), it is hoped that from next year other professional bodies including police, ambulance and fire services will also be able to refer into this service. Please refer to the NHS LTP for more information.
Watch the videos below to find out more about social prescribing:
- What is social prescribing?
- Social prescribing in Lancs and South Cumbria
- Social prescribing - family action