Social prescribing in England
Our latest research, led by Feifei Bu and Alex Burton shows that social prescribing is growing fast, and has surpassed government targets for the roll-out.
Social prescribing usually starts with a referral from a GP to a link worker. From there, people may be offered access to a variety of activities. These include art classes, music sessions, gardening groups and gym membership, but there are many more activities available. You can read more about them on the National Academy for Social Prescribing website.
Our research found that there have been 5.5 million referrals to social prescribing since the scheme began, and that referrals for people in the most deprived areas have been increasing year on year. In 2023, 1.3 million people were referred to social prescribing, while 12% refused the service. Refusals for the service appear to be reducing, while the number of referrals for people in the most deprived areas are increasing.
It looks like social prescribing is well received, though further research is required to assess whether it is reaching the groups who need it most, and whether it is making long-term differences to the quality of life for people with long-term health conditions. In particular, we are interested to see how well it is used for people with severe mental illness.
Read the full paper in Lancet Public Health.
Social prescribing in England
Our latest research, led by Feifei Bu and Alex Burton shows that social prescribing is growing fast, and has surpassed government targets for the roll-out.
Social prescribing usually starts with a referral from a GP to a link worker. From there, people may be offered access to a variety of activities. These include art classes, music sessions, gardening groups and gym membership, but there are many more activities available. You can read more about them on the National Academy for Social Prescribing website.
Our research found that there have been 5.5 million referrals to social prescribing since the scheme began, and that referrals for people in the most deprived areas have been increasing year on year. In 2023, 1.3 million people were referred to social prescribing, while 12% refused the service. Refusals for the service appear to be reducing, while the number of referrals for people in the most deprived areas are increasing.
It looks like social prescribing is well received, though further research is required to assess whether it is reaching the groups who need it most, and whether it is making long-term differences to the quality of life for people with long-term health conditions. In particular, we are interested to see how well it is used for people with severe mental illness.
Read the full paper in Lancet Public Health.