Social prescribing

Many things affect our health and wellbeing – including our finances, social environment or what’s going on at home. 

Where social or personal pressures take their toll on your health you might go to your GP for help. But these problems cannot be fixed by medicine, or doctors, alone. 

That’s where social prescribing can help. Social prescribing can connect you to practical and emotional community support, through social prescribing link workers. These are often based in GP practices. The link worker will talk to you to understand what matters to you and the type of support you need. They will work with you to agree a plan and introduce you to community support. 

This help could be activities and support that are usually provided by voluntary and community organisations. Examples include volunteering, arts and sports activities, group learning, gardening, befriending, cookery, healthy eating advice, and housing and financial advice.  

Social prescribing can especially help people who: 

• feel lonely or isolated 
• have complex or long-term health or social needs that affect their wellbeing 
• need support with their mental health. 

Social prescribing link workers help over 20,000 people a year in Hertfordshire and west Essex. Some of these link workers are based in GP practices, while others work in hospitals or with community groups. 

The social prescriber link workers spend between two to three hours with each client, depending on need. They help people understand and feel part of any medical treatment, to help combat issues such as loneliness, stress or money problems. 

Anyone can get help from social prescribing. Some people might be referred by their doctor or another health worker. Others may refer themselves through the organisations listed below. 

Social prescribing organisations 

You can also get practical and wellbeing support by going direct to a ‘one-stop’ service that will link you to local organisations that can help you.