2.2 Describe drivers in relation to social prescribing

This guide will help you answer 2.2 Describe drivers in relation to social prescribing.

Social prescribing has gained significant recognition in recent years. This is largely due to a variety of “drivers” that encourage its use and development. In this context, “drivers” refer to the factors, policies, movements, and trends that influence or promote social prescribing as an effective approach within health and social care.

Understanding these drivers is essential for care professionals to appreciate why organisations, governments, and healthcare providers are invested in social prescribing, and how it reflects broader health and social care priorities.

Reducing Pressure on the NHS

One of the largest drivers of social prescribing is reducing strain on the National Health Service (NHS). NHS services are often overwhelmed, especially in primary care where GPs face high levels of demand from patients. Many visits to GP surgeries are related to non-medical issues like loneliness, stress, or practical challenges that healthcare workers cannot directly solve.

Social prescribing addresses this by providing an alternative pathway for support. It enables healthcare professionals to refer individuals to community-based activities and services rather than relying solely on traditional medical interventions. By doing so, it helps free up resources and time within the NHS, allowing medical professionals to focus on cases requiring their clinical expertise.

For example, someone visiting their GP repeatedly for low mood caused by social isolation may benefit more from local social groups than from medication or continued medical appointments. Offering social prescribing reduces the likelihood of unnecessary GP visits and improves overall system efficiency.

The Rising Prevalence of Long-Term Health Conditions

Long-term health conditions, such as diabetes, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), arthritis, and hypertension, are becoming more prevalent in the UK. These conditions often require ongoing management and can be worsened by lifestyle factors like inactivity, isolation, or poor mental health.

Managing such health conditions effectively is another driver for the development of social prescribing. While medical treatments are vital, access to supportive services in the community can help individuals manage their conditions better. Lifestyle-related activities such as exercising in walking groups or accessing healthy eating classes through social prescribing can complement medical treatments and empower individuals to live healthier lives.

Shift Toward Preventative Approaches

The UK’s health and social care system is increasingly focused on prevention rather than solely addressing health problems once they have occurred. Prevention aims to stop illnesses or conditions from developing in the first place, which reduces long-term healthcare costs and promotes better outcomes for individuals.

Social prescribing aligns with this preventative approach. Many of the activities and services offered through social prescribing, such as physical exercise groups, mindfulness sessions, or volunteering, tackle issues before they escalate. For example:

Encouraging someone at risk of cardiovascular disease to take part in physical activity groups can help reduce weight, improve heart health, and prevent future hospitalisation.
Supporting individuals experiencing low-level stress through peer support groups can prevent it from worsening into anxiety or depression.

This focus on prevention has driven social prescribing to become a key strategy in public health.

Addressing Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health are the social and economic factors that influence people’s health outcomes. These include housing, employment, education, income, and access to supportive networks. Poor social determinants can lead to poor health. For instance, someone living in unsafe housing or struggling with unemployment is more likely to suffer from physical or mental health issues.

Healthcare systems alone cannot “fix” these social challenges. This is why tackling social determinants has become a significant driver for social prescribing. Social prescribing provides practical support by linking individuals to the resources, services, and networks they need. Examples include:

Connecting someone in financial difficulty to debt advice services.
Referring individuals in unsafe housing to organisations that provide housing support.

By meeting these wider social needs, social prescribing helps to create healthier and more sustainable communities.

The Loneliness Epidemic

Loneliness and social isolation are major public health issues in the UK. Studies show that loneliness can have a significant impact on physical and mental health. It increases the risk of conditions such as depression, anxiety, heart disease, stroke, and even early death.

The importance of combating loneliness and isolation is a major driver for social prescribing. It often involves connecting individuals to activities that promote social interaction and improve their sense of belonging. Examples include:

Befriending schemes
Community groups or clubs
Volunteer opportunities

The government’s Loneliness Strategy, introduced in 2018, highlights the role of social prescribing in combating this epidemic. It recognises that social prescribing can help build stronger social connections and reduce feelings of loneliness.

Policy Changes and Government Support

Government policies and funding have been significant drivers behind the growth of social prescribing. The NHS Long Term Plan (2019), for example, emphasises the importance of social prescribing in improving community health and reducing reliance on formal healthcare services.

The plan includes specific commitments to expand the use of link workers—professionals who act as connectors between individuals and social prescribing services. Funding has been allocated to provide at least one full-time link worker in each Primary Care Network (PCN) across England. Link workers are crucial in helping patients access the activities and services most relevant to them.

This level of support from policymakers has encouraged healthcare organisations to prioritise social prescribing in their service delivery models.

Public Health Campaigns and Awareness

Various public health campaigns focusing on mental health, physical activity, and community involvement have influenced the rise of social prescribing. These campaigns aim to raise awareness of the impact of lifestyle and social connections on health.

For instance, campaigns like “Every Mind Matters” focus on mental health and encourage people to take small steps to improve their well-being. Social prescribing provides practical tools to strengthen these campaigns. By linking individuals to mindfulness groups, walking clubs, or counselling support, social prescribing makes these health messages actionable for those who need them the most.

The Increasing Evidence Base

Another key driver is the growing body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of social prescribing. Research shows that social prescribing can improve mental well-being, increase social connections, and enhance physical health for many individuals. People referred to social prescribing often report higher levels of satisfaction and improved quality of life.

This evidence drives more organisations and commissioners of health services to invest in social prescribing programmes. Knowing that social prescribing can deliver measurable outcomes encourages its broader adoption across the UK.

The Role of Voluntary and Community Organisations

Local voluntary and community organisations play a significant role in the success of social prescribing. These groups, such as charities or grassroots organisations, deliver many of the services and activities to which individuals are referred. Their involvement has driven the expansion of social prescribing by ensuring there is a rich network of resources to support those in need.

Collaboration between the NHS, social care providers, and these organisations is another major driver. Together, they ensure that people accessing social prescribing benefit from high-quality support that meets their needs.

Meeting the Changing Needs of an Ageing Population

The UK’s population is ageing, with an increasing number of older adults needing support to manage multiple health conditions and maintain their independence. Social prescribing is particularly relevant for older adults, as it helps address issues like loneliness, reduced mobility, and chronic illnesses.

For example, activities such as chair-based exercise classes, gardening projects, and coffee mornings help older adults stay active and socially connected. This improves their physical and mental well-being while reducing the need for intensive health or social care services. The ageing population is, therefore, a significant driver for the promotion and implementation of social prescribing.

Encouraging Collaboration Between Services

Social prescribing promotes partnerships between the health sector, social care organisations, and community groups. This focus on collaborative working is another important driver. By encouraging different organisations to work together, social prescribing creates a more integrated system of care.

This collaboration ensures individuals receive a well-rounded level of support that addresses their health and social needs. It also helps to bridge gaps between clinical and non-clinical services, ensuring patients are not overlooked when medical interventions alone are insufficient.

Final Thoughts

The drivers for social prescribing reflect the changing priorities within the UK’s health and social care system. These drivers include reducing pressure on the NHS, managing long-term health conditions, and improving prevention. They also highlight the importance of tackling loneliness, addressing social determinants of health, and meeting the needs of an ageing population. For care workers, understanding these drivers helps to see how social prescribing fits into the wider picture of supporting individuals and building healthier communities.