Social Prescribing Day celebrates link workers and innovative health and wellbeing support
On Thursday 9th March, we will be celebrating Social Prescribing Day, which highlights the important role of link workers and organisations that support health and wellbeing. Social prescribing is a way to help people with social issues that impact their health, such as stress, loneliness, or financial problems.
Many of us seek medical advice for social issues that affect our health, such as financial worries, debt, stress, loneliness, and social isolation. In fact, it is estimated that one in five visits to the GP are related to social needs rather than medical issues. Social prescribing aims to connect individuals with groups and organisations that can provide support, guidance, and opportunities for personal growth.
If you are referred to a link worker, they will take the time to understand what matters to you and help you create a plan with information and ideas for next steps. They can help you find information and guidance or connect you to a local community group or club. They may even support you to start a new initiative such as a befriending group or gardening club.
Social Prescribing is part of the NHS’s long-term plan to move away from a “one size fits all” approach to healthcare and towards Personalised Care. This approach recognises that each person has unique needs and preferences when it comes to their health and wellbeing.
Let’s celebrate the important work of link workers and the impact of Social Prescribing on our communities this Social Prescribing Day.