Social Prescribing Day 2024
Social prescribing. You may have heard the phrase and, like me, be totally unsure of what it means, who it's for and what's actually involved. So read on as the EBM give our take on this area of support.
There are factors affecting our health which cant be treated by doctors or medicine alone. Social prescribing recognises that people's health and well being are determined by a range of social, economic and environmental factors. Like loneliness, debt, or stress due to financial pressures or poor housing.
Social prescribing starts with the question "What matters to you?"
It enables health professionals to refer people to a range of local, non-clinical community services and activities. Supporting people with a wide range of social, emotional or practical needs.
It aims to address people’s needs in a holistic way. Identifying the most relevant and effective health and wellbeing support available. For example, signposting people who have been diagnosed with dementia to local dementia support groups. Supporting individuals to take greater control of their own health and to feel heard, valued and understood.
There are 5 main types of social prescribing.
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Advice and information.
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Arts and Culture
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Physical Activity
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Natural environment
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Heritage
Social prescribing is an all-age, whole population approach that works particularly well for people who:
- have one or more long term conditions
- who need support with low level mental health issues
- who are lonely or isolated
- who have complex social needs which affect their well being.
In social prescribing, local agencies such as local charities, social care and health services refer people to a social prescribing link worker who will coproduce a simple personalised care and support plan. Social prescribing link workers also support existing community groups to be accessible and sustainable, and help people to start new groups, working collaboratively with all local partners.
What that looks like from there depends on your personal circumstances and needs
How to access social prescribing
If you would like to find out more about social prescribing, ask about it at your local GP surgery or email the NHS England social prescribing programme: england.socialprescribing@nhs.net
Further support and information can be found via:
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