What is social prescribing?

Social prescribing helps, connects, supports and works with people to overcome their psychosocial needs by providing community-based support.

It is helping to address the practical, emotional and social needs that affect patient health and wellbeing.

The ‘social prescription’ offered to each patient will be different, depending on their needs and circumstances, with the degree of help and support offered being based on what works best for each person.

Social prescriptions can cover everything from issues such as financial support and poor housing to loneliness and promoting physical activity.

Social prescribing link workers are now employed within the NHS. There are no specific qualifications required, but the NHS has produced guidance for the role.

Once employed, social prescribing link workers complete mandatory training, as well specific link worker eLearning programmes hosted by Health Education England and/or the Personalised Care Institute.

Ongoing training should be provided, allowing the social prescribing link worker to map their knowledge and skills to a ‘competency framework’.

Additional support is provided via an assigned GP supervisor, monthly clinical supervision sessions and access to online peer networks.