2.1 Identify the aims of social prescribing

This guide will help you answer 2.1 Identify the aims of social prescribing.

Social prescribing is a way of improving people’s health and well-being by connecting them with non-medical services and support in their local community. It typically involves a referral system where healthcare professionals, such as GPs (General Practitioners), link individuals to activities, services, or groups suited to their personal needs. The main aim is to address the wider factors that affect health and well-being, which may not be resolved through standard medical care alone.

Understanding the purpose of social prescribing is crucial for care workers. It allows for a broader approach to supporting individuals, particularly those with complex needs, chronic conditions, or social isolation.

Improving Overall Well-being

One key aim of social prescribing is improving the health and emotional well-being of individuals. This is often done by addressing non-medical factors like loneliness, stress, or poor mental health. Many illnesses and conditions, such as depression or anxiety, can worsen if these underlying issues are not addressed. Through activities like volunteering, exercise programmes, or attending social groups, social prescribing helps people to:

• Build confidence and self-esteem
• Develop meaningful social connections
• Increase physical activity levels
• Find purpose through hobbies or skills

A person who feels supported and engaged is likely to report better mental health outcomes and an improved quality of life.

Reducing Social Isolation and Loneliness

Social isolation is a growing concern in the UK, particularly among older adults. Many people, whether due to ageing, disabilities, or challenging life events, lack meaningful relationships. This can significantly impact their physical and mental health.

Social prescribing works by linking individuals to supportive networks and activities where they can meet others and form relationships. Examples include joining local community centres, attending art classes, or taking part in gardening projects. By doing so, individuals gain a sense of belonging and emotional support, which are vital for mental well-being.

Dealing with social isolation can also prevent illnesses associated with loneliness, such as heart disease, dementia, and depression.

Addressing the Social Determinants of Health

Social prescribing acknowledges that good health is not only dependent on medical care but also on the social and economic circumstances of a person’s life. These non-medical factors are often referred to as the social determinants of health. Examples include housing, employment, education, and access to community resources.

Poor living conditions, unemployment, debt, or a lack of education can create stress and lead to long-term health problems. Social prescribing works to link people to services and resources that might improve these areas. For example:

• Debt counselling services for financial problems
• Employment support groups for those needing work
• Housing advice for those facing homelessness

By tackling the root causes of some health issues, it becomes possible to improve long-term health outcomes.

Reducing Pressure on Primary and Secondary Health Services

GP surgeries, hospitals, and specialist services are frequently under pressure due to high demand. A significant number of visits to healthcare providers involve social or emotional problems, such as loneliness or anxiety, rather than medical issues requiring treatment. These problems might better be addressed through support services.

Social prescribing helps to reduce this demand by directing people to the right non-clinical support. For example, rather than repeatedly visiting their GP with low mood due to social isolation, a person may benefit more from being referred to a befriending service or outdoor activity group. By doing this, resources within the NHS are freed up for individuals who require medical interventions.

Empowering Individuals to Take Control of Their Own Health

Another aim of social prescribing is to empower individuals to take an active role in their health and well-being. Instead of relying solely on medical services to “fix” their problems, individuals are encouraged to be more proactive in managing the factors that impact their health. This sense of control and independence can make them feel more capable overall.

For example, someone dealing with low mood might feel helpless at first. Through social prescribing, they might start attending mindfulness sessions or yoga classes, which help them to gradually build tools and strategies to manage their feelings. Over time, this can reduce their need for health services like counselling or medication.

Promoting Prevention and Early Intervention

Social prescribing encourages prevention by addressing health issues early, before they become severe or require complicated treatment. Often, people visit their GP or healthcare professional when they feel physically or emotionally unwell. However, their symptoms may have been avoidable if they’d received earlier support in areas such as mental health, physical activity, or nutrition.

By intervening at an early stage, social prescribing helps to reduce the likelihood of more serious problems developing. For instance, physical activity sessions like walking groups can prevent obesity and related conditions such as diabetes. Similarly, stress reduction workshops can prevent serious mental health problems from escalating.

Enhancing Community Engagement

Social prescribing also aims to improve the relationship between individuals and their local communities. Many activities or services are offered by community organisations, charities, or volunteer-led groups. By referring people to these programmes, social prescribing builds a stronger connection between individuals and the resources available where they live.

When people engage with these groups, they not only gain personal support but also contribute positively to the community. For example, a person may start volunteering at a food bank after being linked to its services through social prescribing. In return, they feel a sense of purpose while helping others in their community.

Benefits for Health and Social Care Professionals

While the focus of social prescribing is on individuals, it also helps those working in health and social care. Care workers, GPs, and other professionals often face frustration when trying to address social or mental health issues with limited time or resources. Social prescribing enhances their ability to support clients by providing practical, community-based options they can suggest.

Some specific benefits include:

• Increased clarity on the types of support available locally
• Better outcomes for patients or service users
• Improved communication between healthcare and community organisations

By using social prescribing, professionals extend their support beyond their usual role. This creates a more collaborative approach to care.

Examples of Activities and Services

Social prescribing involves referring individuals to a wide range of activities and services. These are based on the individual’s personal circumstances, interests, and needs. Some common examples of services offered through social prescribing include:

• Physical activities like walking clubs, gym sessions, or swimming classes
• Creative hobbies, such as knitting, painting, or sculpture workshops
• Mental health support, including mindfulness groups and community counselling
• Educational services, such as adult learning courses or job-seeking workshops
• Social activities, including coffee mornings, choir groups, or book clubs
• Practical support services like housing advice or debt counselling

This broad choice ensures that people receive a form of support that feels relevant and useful to them.

Who Benefits Most from Social Prescribing?

Social prescribing can benefit almost anyone, but some groups of people have been found to gain the greatest advantages. These include:

• Individuals experiencing mental health challenges, such as anxiety or depression
• Older adults who are socially isolated or lonely
• People with chronic health conditions who could benefit from lifestyle changes
• Individuals living in areas of deprivation or experiencing poverty
• People facing significant life changes, such as bereavement, retiring, or becoming a parent

The flexibility of support offered through social prescribing means that it can meet a variety of needs.

Final Thoughts

Social prescribing takes a broader approach to people’s health and well-being. It aims to address the social elements that affect physical and mental health by connecting individuals to tailored, local services. Whether it’s improving mental well-being, tackling loneliness, or reducing GP appointments, social prescribing offers a practical solution that complements existing healthcare.

Care workers who understand the purpose of social prescribing can better guide individuals seeking help. By linking people to the networks and resources around them, social prescribing supports a healthier, more connected community.