Is There Evidence for Social Prescription?

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In the UK and in Ireland, social prescribers or link workers are being rolled out in community networks. One individual link worker doing social prescribing is not going to be able to cover 50,000 people effectively. So our systematic reviews suggest that we need to be targeting this valuable resource towards people who really need intervention. But it is also possible that there are alternative approaches that may be more effective.

A new trial is exploring if prescriptions of surfing, gardening and dance classes can reduce anxiety and depression in people aged 11 to 18. NHS mental health trusts in 10 parts of England will use a range of sports, arts and outdoor activities with 600 young people to see if it can stop conditions worsening while the sufferers are on waiting lists for care. This kind of support is known as ‘social prescribing’, allowing health professionals to refer patients to a range of community groups and organisations. But while social prescribing programmes are being rolled out around the world, a recent review has found scant evidence of their effectiveness. Madeleine Finlay speaks to Prof Susan Smith about the ideas behind social prescribing, its potential benefits for those with complex issues, and why more studies are urgently needed. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod