Social Prescribing Week 4th - 11th March 2022
What is Social Prescribing?
Social prescribing connects people to practical and emotional community support, through social prescribing link workers, who are based in GP practices and take referrals from all local agencies. Link workers have time to build trusting relationships, start with what matters to the person, create a shared plan and introduce people to community support. It helps people get more control over their healthcare, to manage their needs and in a way that suits them. It can especially help people who:
have one or more long-term condition
need support with their mental health
are lonely or isolated
have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing.
Social prescribing links them to a range of activities that are typically provided by voluntary and community sector organisations, for example, volunteering, arts activities, group learning, gardening, befriending, cookery, healthy eating advice and a range of sports. When social prescribing works well, people can be easily referred to social prescribing link workers from within their local area, for example, from the NHS – general practice, pharmacies, multi-disciplinary teams, hospital discharge teams – to fire service, police, job centres, social care services, housing associations and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations. People can also refer themselves. There are also other forms of referral to community-based support. A wide range of ‘community connectors’ – for example, many staff working in community centres, libraries, youth clubs or for charities – can signpost or recommend activities and support in their area.
What is Social Prescribing Week?
Social Prescribing Week is an annual celebration of social prescribing, recognising link workers, local community groups, and projects which have kept us healthy throughout the pandemic and beyond.
During the week and in the run up to Social Prescribing Day, a wide range of individuals and organisations will be sharing resources and hosting events relating to specific themes outlined below.
