Social prescribing is an innovative approach that connects people with non-clinical services to improve their health and wellbeing. Instead of focusing solely on medical interventions, it empowers individuals to access community-based support such as exercise groups, social clubs, debt advice, or volunteering opportunities.

This free social prescribing online course introduces the principles of social prescribing, the role of link workers, and how personalised care plans can transform outcomes for individuals and communities.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

Health and social care professionals are increasingly expected to understand social prescribing and how it integrates with NHS services. By completing this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills to confidently apply social prescribing in your role.

Here’s why this course is for you:

• Enhance your understanding of person-centred care: Learn how social prescribing addresses health inequalities by looking beyond traditional treatments.
• Develop practical skills: Understand the responsibilities of link workers and explore how to create personalised support plans.
• Build stronger community connections: Discover how local organisations and voluntary groups can be integrated into care pathways.
• Understand your professional duties: Learn how safeguarding, record keeping, and outcome measurement are central to safe and effective practice.

Social Prescribing in Health and Social Care Course Content Outline

Module 1: Understanding the Principles of Social Prescribing
Learners will explore what social prescribing is and its purpose within health and social care. They will review the key principles behind it and understand how it supports personalised care approaches.

Module 2: The Role of Social Prescribing Link Workers
This module introduces the responsibilities of social prescribing link workers. Learners will examine how link workers support individuals and collaborate with community groups and organisations to connect people with the right services.

Module 3: Personalised Care and Support Plans
Learners will understand the importance of personalised care in social prescribing and the steps to develop tailored care and support plans. They will see examples of how these plans meet individual needs and practise helping people set achievable health and wellbeing goals. A knowledge check consolidates learning.

Module 4: Community-Based Support
This module highlights the different types of community-based support available and how individuals can be connected to these services. Learners will also explore the importance of co-producing and co-designing services with communities to ensure relevance and inclusivity.

Module 5: Safeguarding and Record Keeping
Learners will examine safeguarding responsibilities in the context of social prescribing and understand the importance of maintaining accurate records. They will also consider how to measure the impact of interventions to demonstrate outcomes.

Module 6: Wider Implications of Social Prescribing
This module looks at the bigger picture, exploring political, economic, and societal factors that influence social prescribing. Learners will review its role in supporting mental health and wellbeing, and how it integrates with NHS policies and the Long Term Plan. A knowledge check reinforces key points.

Module 7: Referral Mechanisms and Target Groups
Learners will explore how referrals into social prescribing work, including self-referral, and identify the target groups who benefit most. They will also consider the specific needs of these groups and how to address them.

Module 8: Workforce Development and Collaboration
The final module focuses on the workforce. Learners will understand the importance of training and development for link workers and examine how to build effective partnerships with local agencies and community organisations.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you’ll know how to use social prescribing to make a meaningful difference in health and social care. You will gain the confidence to connect individuals to the right services and improve their overall wellbeing.

Through this course, you will:

• Define social prescribing and explain its purpose in personalised care.
• Recognise the responsibilities of link workers and their role in supporting individuals.
• Develop personalised care and support plans that address specific needs.
• Explore types of community-based support and how to connect individuals effectively.
• Understand safeguarding principles, record keeping, and how to measure impact.
• Recognise the wider political, social, and economic context of social prescribing in the UK.
• Learn referral mechanisms and how to identify target groups.
• Understand workforce development and the value of multi-agency collaboration.

Target Audience

This course is designed for:

• Social prescribing link workers.
• Health and social care professionals.
• Community and voluntary sector workers.
• Team leaders, managers, or supervisors in care settings.
• Anyone interested in improving health outcomes through community-based approaches.

No prior experience with social prescribing is required — the course takes you step by step from the basics to practical application.

FAQ

What does the course cover?
This course covers everything from the principles of social prescribing to its role in the NHS Long Term Plan. You’ll explore the responsibilities of link workers, how to develop personalised care plans, and how to connect people with local services.

Can I apply what I learn immediately?
Yes. The course is practical, providing tools and strategies that you can start using straight away in your role.

How long will it take?
The course is self-paced. Most learners complete it over 1 hour, depending on their schedule.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a certificate to recognise your learning.

Is this course relevant to UK social care work?
Absolutely. The content is aligned with UK legislation, NHS policies, and best practice frameworks, ensuring direct relevance to your role.

Do I need previous training?
No. The course is beginner-friendly but also provides depth for those already working in health or social care.

What support is available?
Our team is on hand to provide support throughout your learning journey.

Is this course CPD accredited?
Not yet — but accreditation is currently in progress.

Social prescribing is reshaping the future of health and social care by bridging the gap between clinical services and community support. By completing this course, you will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to apply its principles in practice and improve outcomes for the people you support.

👉 Enrol today and start using social prescribing to make a difference in your work.