Let's change the way we look at health and wellbeing

New research by the Patients Association, commissioned by the National Academy for Social Prescribing, found that patients had an 'overwhelmingly positive' experience of social prescribing, and the relationship with their Social Prescribing Link Worker had the greatest impact. Patients reported improved mental wellbeing, confidence, social connections and access to local services.

Edge Hill University and The National Academy for Social Prescribing have published a systematic evidence review, focusing on how nature-based projects – like walking schemes, community gardening, green gyms and outdoor arts and cultural programmes – can support people living with a range of long-term conditions. 

This is the final report from a year-long research project exploring the potential for greater community involvement in and leadership of social prescribing in England. The research concludes that sustainable investment in community development, capacity and resources is needed to enable community leadership of and involvement in social prescribing.  

There is strong and growing evidence that social prescribing services can lead to substantial reductions in avoidable GP appointments, hospital admissions and A&E attendances. The report brings together studies from nine areas, which look specifically at the impact of social prescribing on NHS service use.