In theory anyone can be referred to a social prescribing scheme if it is the most appropriate offer to support the needs of a patient. The social prescribing model means that GP’s, nurses and other health professionals can refer people to a number of local services. It is also an opportunity to support individuals to take greater control of their own health.
The social prescribing and community- based offer forms part of the NHS long term plan’s commitment around Personalised Care meaning people have choice and control over the way their care is planned and delivered, based on ‘what matters’ to them and their individual strengths and needs. The social prescribing offer enables all local agencies to refer people to a “link worker”. The link worker works alongside people to explore what matters to them. They work to connect people to local community groups, offers and other agencies that could help.