What is social prescribing?
According to NHS England, social prescribing is "a key component of Universal Personalised Care. It is an approach that connects people to activities, groups, and services in their community to meet the practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing.
In social prescribing, local agencies such as local charities, social care and health services refer people to a social prescribing link worker. Social prescribing link workers give people time, focusing on ‘what matters to me?' to coproduce a simple personalised care and support plan, and support people to take control of their health and wellbeing.
Social prescribing link workers also support existing community groups to be accessible and sustainable, and help people to start new groups, working collaboratively with all local partners."
"Social prescribing is an all-age, whole population approach that works particularly well for people who:
- have one or more long term conditions
- who need support with low level mental health issues
- who are lonely or isolated
- who have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing."
Where can I apply for social prescribing funding?
Smaller grants may be easier initially, for example the National Lottery has grants of up to £10,000.
It is always advisable to research what is already available in your local area and who is funding similar types or sizes of projects to yours. Contact some of the organisations in your area who are already supporting the same people you are looking to reach.
For example, if your project is for elderly people or people with dementia, approach Age UK in your region or trcontacting your local council.
Find out more information here: How can I getfunding for social prescribing? - National Academy for Social Prescribing |NASP (socialprescribingacademy.org.uk)