Referring patients to social activities instead of or as a complement to more ‘conventional’ forms of medicine is often called “social prescribing”.
It can involve GP’s, nurses, link workers, and/or primary care professionals referring people to a range of local, non-clinical services. It is help that doesn’t come in the form of a medicine bottle but instead works to find ways to manage your needs in ways that suit you and benefit you. Many factors influence our health and wellbeing, such as social, economic and environmental factors. So, social prescribing is based on supporting individuals to take greater control of their own health. It can involve a number of activities, such as volunteering, arts activities, group learning, gardening, befriending, cookery, healthy eating advice and a range of sports.
There are so many varied models for social prescribing, but most involve a link worker or navigator who works with people to access local sources of support.
It is an exciting time for social prescribing. It is a real chance to bring people and their communities together, breaking down social isolation and focuses on connection.
Check out the Social prescribing and community-based support: Summary Guide