Social Prescribing in a Nutshell
When we think of “prescribing,” we usually think of medicine. Medicine is important for treating many health problems. But Social Prescribing is different. It’s about helping people feel better by connecting them to support in their community – like groups, services, or activities to address practical, social and emotional needs that impact health and wellbeing.
For example, instead of just treating stress or pain with medicine, Social Prescribing looks at what might be causing those feelings, like:
- Feeling lonely
- Worrying about money
- Struggling with housing
- Feeling down or anxious
How Does It Work?
- Your doctor or support worker notices that you might need more than medicine to feel better.
- They tell you about Social Prescribing and ask if you’d like to be referred.
- If you agree, a Community Connector (a friendly person who knows about local supports) will get in touch with you.
- You and the Connector talk about what’s going on in your life.
- Together, you make a plan to get the help you need.
- The Connector helps you find and join activities or services that can improve your well-being and checks in with you to see how you are doing. They also update the care provider who sent the referral so they know how things are going.
What Kind of Support Can You Get?
- Exercise groups or walking clubs
- Art or hobby classes
- Talking to a counselor
- Social groups or coffee mornings
- Help with money or housing problems
Why It Helps
Life can get tough, and problems can affect our health. Social Prescribing helps you get the right support to feel better, both in your body and mind. It’s not just about treating an illness, it’s about making your life better overall.
Successful social prescribing is not just telling someone about what is available, it’s working to remove the barriers people experience so they CAN access programs and services. Barriers might be things like cost, distance, accessibility, or social or mental health concerns. It’s about really listening to people, giving them the support they need, and helping them take charge of their health and wellbeing.
A “Simple” Example of Social Prescribing in Action
Imagine someone loses their spouse or partner. They feel sad, don’t want to go out, and have trouble sleeping or eating. The doctor might prescribe medicine for depression, but they also know the person is grieving and lonely. The doctor can refer them to a Community Connector, who can help the person find support, like social groups or counseling, to feel better and get back to enjoying life.
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