Social Prescribing

NHS social prescribing link workers can connect you to the right community groups and services to help support you. 

Social prescribing link workers (SPLWs) work with people to identify non-medical goals based on what matters to the person.

Social prescribing link workers work alongside health professionals and community partners to empower people to take responsibility for their health and wellbeing. They do this using a health coaching, or motivational interviewing, approach to identify what matters to the person, help identify and work towards achievable goals and engage with community assets and groups.

Social prescribing is when you work in partnership with a healthcare professional known as a social prescribing link worker to identify non-medical solutions. It is a way for health professionals to connect people to community activities, groups and services that support their practical, social, and emotional needs.  

Social prescribing isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, nor is it a replacement for medical care. It complements traditional healthcare by providing holistic support tailored to individual needs, preferences, and goals. 

Social prescribing works particularly well for people who: 

• Have one or more long-term conditions 
• Need support with low-level mental health issues 
• Are lonely or isolated 
• Have financial instability or are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis 
• Have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing. 

How to access social prescribing

Ask your GP

• Book an appointment with your GP to discuss your situation.
• Your GP can refer you directly to a social prescribing link worker who will give you time to focus on "what matters to you" and create a personalised plan. 

Self-refer

• Some local social prescribing services, including specific GP practices in Gloucestershire, offer a direct self-referral option.
• Check your local GP surgery's website or contact them directly to see if they have an online self-referral form.