5.1 Analyse outcomes of social prescribing for the individual, the community groups and the health and care system

This guide will help you answer 5.1 Analyse outcomes of social prescribing for the individual, the community groups and the health and care system.

Social prescribing creates impacts at different levels: for individuals, community groups, and the wider health and care system. Understanding these outcomes helps you measure the value and effectiveness of social prescribing.

Outcomes for the Individual

Social prescribing aims to address needs and issues that medicine alone cannot solve. Positive outcomes for individuals are often the clearest and easiest to see.

Improved Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

Many people report feeling less stressed, anxious or low after taking part in social prescribing. Joining local groups, volunteering, or accessing support helps overcome loneliness and builds purpose. People often:

• Gain confidence
• Feel more valued
• Experience fewer feelings of isolation

Case Example:
A person struggling with low mood joins a local gardening project through social prescribing. Over time, they make friends, learn new skills and become more optimistic about the future.

Increased Social Connections

Social prescribing builds new friendships and support networks. For people cut off from family, work, or community, this can lead to significant changes in happiness and belonging.

Impact includes:

• Meeting new people
• Strengthening existing relationships
• Feeling part of the community

Improved Ability to Manage Long-term Conditions

People with conditions like diabetes, arthritis or heart problems report finding it easier to manage their health. Practical support—such as exercise classes or healthy eating groups—offers encouragement and knowledge.

Typical benefits:

• Better medication routines
• Improved diet and activity
• Motivation to keep up with treatment

Boosted Self-Esteem and Skills

Trying new activities (such as art, music, or volunteering) can help people discover strengths they had forgotten or never recognised. This often boosts self-confidence and inspires ongoing learning or involvement.

Greater Sense of Purpose

Taking part in meaningful activities gives people a reason to get up each day. This sense of purpose can be life-changing, especially after big life events such as retirement, bereavement, or job loss.

Reduced Use of GP and Emergency Services

Many people visit their GP for issues linked to social problems. Social prescribing addresses these needs directly. This often leads to fewer repeat GP visits and less need for urgent care.

Improving Life Skills and Independence

Individuals become more independent. For example, someone referred to a debt advice group may gain budgeting skills and feel less overwhelmed by money worries. This promotes self-management.

Challenges and Limitations

Not everyone benefits equally. Some may drop out, find it hard to get involved, or not feel a big difference. Barriers can include anxiety, transport difficulties, or lack of suitable local groups.

In summary, the main outcomes for individuals are better mental wellbeing, stronger social ties, improved health management, and increased confidence.

Outcomes for Community Groups

Community groups play a key part in social prescribing schemes. Outcomes for these groups can be both positive and challenging.

Increased Membership and Participation

Social prescribing brings new people into community organisations—such as clubs, classes, or voluntary projects. This can:

• Widen the reach and diversity of the group
• Bring in fresh ideas and energy
• Enable more activities and events

Better Funding Opportunities

With more referrals and higher attendance, some groups find it easier to attract funding from local authorities, charities, or the NHS.

Example:
A walking group, now filled with new members referred by link workers, secures grants to buy equipment or pay for group leaders.

Stronger Community Ties

Community groups linked to social prescribing often build better relationships with health and care teams. This partnership working strengthens the local support network.

Building Capacity and Resilience

Running activities for a wider range of people helps groups develop new knowledge and experience. For instance, they may learn more about mental health, disability support, or creating accessible events.

Challenges for Community Groups

There are also new pressures:

• Increased demand may stretch resources
• Need for more volunteers or staff
• Training requirements (for supporting people with varied needs)
• Keeping up with administration and monitoring

Sometimes, funding does not cover all extra costs, leaving groups struggling to meet everyone’s needs.

On balance, social prescribing can help groups grow and become more connected, but may put strain on their resources if not well supported.

Outcomes for the Health and Care System

The wider health and care system aims to improve public health and reduce pressure on clinical services. Social prescribing contributes to these goals in several important ways.

Reduced Demand on Primary and Secondary Care

When people access support for social, emotional, or practical issues, they often need fewer GP appointments and less hospital care. Many studies show fewer “frequent attenders” at surgeries and a drop in unnecessary A&E visits.

Key results:

• More time for GPs to focus on medical needs
• Less use of emergency services
• Reduced waiting times for clinical care

Preventing Ill Health

Social prescribing can prevent problems worsening or becoming long-term issues. Early help with loneliness, financial worries, or lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing serious physical or mental health conditions.

Example:
Older adults who join befriending schemes are less likely to develop depression or need urgent hospital care for avoidable illnesses.

Better Outcomes for Hard-to-Reach Groups

The scheme helps reach people who might not usually access health or community support, including those with complex needs. This can help make services more fair and inclusive.

Improving Integration Between Services

Social prescribing encourages joined-up working between primary care, social care, public health, and the voluntary sector. This teamwork creates a more holistic and effective support system.

Saving Money

By reducing avoidable appointments, admissions, and treatments, social prescribing can help save money across the NHS and local authorities. While the savings are sometimes difficult to measure, evidence shows it can make a real difference when schemes are well run.

Supporting Policy Goals

Social prescribing supports government goals like tackling health inequalities, improving mental health, and building resilient communities.

Challenges for the Health and Care System

• Needs ongoing funding and commitment
• Requires staff awareness and proper referral pathways
• Depends on community groups being available and ready
• Outcomes can be hard to measure using traditional health tools

Area	Positive Outcomes	Challenges
Individual	Better wellbeing, confidence, health management, social ties	Not all benefit, barriers exist
Community Groups	More members, funding, stronger partnerships, new skills	Resource strain, training needs
Health & Care System	Reduced demand, savings, integration, public health improvements	Funding, outcome measurement

Final Thoughts

Social prescribing creates valuable outcomes for individuals, community groups, and the wider health and care system. It leads to better mental health, improved social connections, and greater independence for individuals. Community groups can grow but may feel stretched. For the health and care system, social prescribing cuts pressures, saves resources, and supports healthier communities. The benefits are clear, but continued investment, partnership, and evaluation are needed for ongoing success.