Social Prescribing Day
What is Social Prescribing?
Social prescribing, enables health professionals to refer people to a range of local, non-clinical services. The referrals generally, but not exclusively, come from professionals working in primary care settings, for example, GPs or practice nurses.
Social prescribing recognises that people’s health and wellbeing are affected by a range of social, economic, and environmental factors, and needs to be supported in a holistic way. The aim is to support people to have better control of their own health needs.
Social prescribing can refer to a wide range of local activities many provided by voluntary and community sector organisations. For example, befriending, art groups, tea and chat groups, walking, gardening groups, healthy eating advice and a wide range of sports.
Does Social Prescribing work?
The growing body of evidence suggests that social prescribing supports a range of positive health and wellbeing outcomes. Studies have shown improvements in emotional wellbeing, feeling less isolated and alone, improved general and mental health such as depression and anxiety.
How have we influenced Social Prescribing?
We have submitted a poster to the 4th International Social Prescribing Conference (10th to 11th March 2022) to highlight the work of our Exercise and COVID report.
This report has also influenced the Self-Care Week (November 14th – 20th) theme “Exercise Self Care for Life”.
This is a perfect report to persuade organisations of the benefit in doing more promotion on encouraging exercise.
