3.2 Describe components of a social prescribing scheme

This guide will help you answer 3.2 Describe components of a social prescribing scheme.

A social prescribing scheme is more than just a referral system. It brings together health, social care, and community organisations. The scheme helps people access local support to improve their health and wellbeing. Each scheme may look slightly different, but there are key parts common to all. Understanding these components will help you explain how social prescribing works, guide people through the process, and work effectively in your role.

This guide covers the main components of a social prescribing scheme and how each one supports the individual.

Entry Points

A social prescribing scheme usually starts when someone identifies a need that is not fully met by medical care. The first step, known as the ‘entry point’, is where a worker such as a GP, nurse, social worker, or allied health professional recognises that a person could benefit from extra support.

Entry points can include:

GP surgeries
Hospitals
Community health teams
Adult social care
Voluntary sector organisations

The more entry points there are, the more accessible the scheme becomes, meaning more people can benefit.

Referral

Once a worker thinks someone could benefit, the next component is a referral. This is the formal process where a person is put in touch with a social prescribing scheme. The referral can be done by a professional, or sometimes individuals can refer themselves.

Referrals can be made by:

GPs or practice nurses
Community care staff
Housing officers
Mental health workers

Referral is usually done by filling in a form or using an online system. The aim is to pass enough information to the next person so that help can be offered quickly and safely.

Assessment

After receiving the referral, the scheme usually arranges an assessment. This is a supportive chat with a link worker to understand the person’s needs, wishes, and strengths. Link workers are non-clinical staff trained to support social prescribing.

Assessment may include:

Listening to the individual’s story and goals
Asking about social connections, daily routines, housing, money, and wellbeing
Exploring what the person finds enjoyable or stressful
Identifying any barriers, such as transport or anxiety

Assessments are person-centred and focus on what matters to the individual.

Link Worker or Community Connector

The link worker is a crucial part of most schemes. They act as a bridge between healthcare and community resources. Their main role is to support the individual throughout the process.

The link worker’s tasks may include:

Building a relationship based on trust and respect
Supporting the individual to decide what they want to try
Giving information about local activities and services
Organising visits to groups or activities
Helping overcome barriers (for example, building confidence, arranging transport, or translating information)
Following up to check on progress and wellbeing

Some areas use different job titles for this role: community connector, health advisor, or wellbeing coordinator. They all carry out similar work.

Care or Support Planning

This component involves agreeing what actions the person will take, with the support of the link worker. Some schemes call this a wellbeing plan or personal support plan.

Features of support planning:

Sets out steps the person will take (for example, joining a group or applying for benefits help)
Lists support needed, such as travel arrangements or an introduction to a new group
Outlines follow-up arrangements

The plan is flexible and updated as needs change.

Connecting with Community Resources

Link workers connect people to a range of local services, activities, or groups. The directory of available services is a key component of the scheme. It may include:

Volunteering opportunities
Physical activity classes (such as walking, yoga, or dance)
Art, music, or craft groups
Peer support or befriending groups
Advice services for money, housing, or employment
Social clubs or lunch groups
Educational courses or digital skills sessions

Community resources are chosen based on the person’s goals and interests. This helps build confidence and motivation.

Supporting Engagement

Starting something new can be daunting. Another part of the scheme is supporting the individual as they try new activities. This could involve:

Attending the first session together
Regular check-ins
Providing encouragement and problem-solving
Building confidence through small steps

Support is given for as long as needed, though schemes usually encourage independence.

Monitoring and Review

Progress and wellbeing are checked at agreed intervals. Reviews help identify what has worked, what needs to change, and when the individual feels confident managing by themselves.

Monitoring may look at:

Changes in mood, confidence, or social contact
Use of health services
Meeting set goals
Satisfaction with the support

Feedback from individuals is important for improving the scheme.

Information Sharing and Recording

Social prescribing schemes record key information securely. This includes details of the referral, assessment, support plan, and progress. Information is shared only with consent, following data protection laws.

Recording ensures:

Support is coordinated and safe
There is a consistent record of the individual’s journey
Progress can be measured and reported

Partnership Working

Strong links between health, social care, and the community are critical. Schemes work with:

GP practices and other clinical teams
Voluntary and community organisations
Local authority services (like housing and adult social care)
Mental health services
Faith organisations, where relevant

Joint working makes it easier to find the right support for each person.

Promoting Accessibility and Inclusion

A good scheme checks all people can take part, whatever their age, ability, culture, or language. Inclusion is supported by:

Easy-read materials
Interpreting services
Accessible venues
Staff trained in equality and diversity

Removing barriers ensures everyone can benefit.

Follow-up and Transition

When someone is settled and confident with their new support, the scheme encourages ongoing independence. The link worker fades out contact, but gives information on how to get back in touch if needed.

Transition might include:

Encouraging the person to become a volunteer or peer supporter
Linking to longer-term services if needed
Providing information about how to self-refer in future

This step helps build lasting confidence and self-management.

Final Thoughts

Your role is often at the start of the process – identifying who may benefit and helping them understand how it works. You may need to give reassurance, guidance, and practical help. Knowing about each component of a scheme means you can explain what to expect, answer questions, and give better support.

Using this knowledge, you will help people get what they need to improve their health, confidence, and life skills. Social prescribing is about working together and seeing each individual as a whole person, not just someone with symptoms.

Through understanding the components of a social prescribing scheme, you can play an active part in helping people build better lives in their communities.