Social Prescribing

People’s health and well-being can be affected by a range of factors. As a result, there is growing recognition that some patient needs could be better met by other kinds of support in the community. This is where social prescribing could help. It is a broad term that recognises that well-being can also be influenced by social, economic and/or environmental circumstances.

Social prescribing seeks to address people’s needs holistically, empowering them to take more control of their health. It focuses on non-medical needs affecting health or well-being by linking people to local, community groups or organisations (e.g. luncheon clubs, walking groups, cultural activities, debt advice) to help with a spectrum of problems including social isolation, housing issues or unemployment.

We are establishing an interdisciplinary Social Prescribing Research Network to work closely with members of the public, clinical providers, policymakers and other researchers to understand the different perspectives to social prescribing, how patients health and wellbeing can benefit and the mechanisms through which services can be optimally delivered.

Please click on the project links to the right to find out more.