Social prescribing enables GPs, nurses and other primary care professionals to refer people to a range of local, non-clinical services.

Social prescribing is known as 'Connect for Health'.

NHS England describes social prescribing as “enabling all local agencies to refer people to a link worker”. Link workers - known locally as Community Connectors -  give people time and focus on what matters to the person as identified through shared decision making or personalised care and support planning. They connect people to community groups and agencies for practical and emotional support. 

Connect for Health particularly works for a wide range of people, including those: 

• with one or more long-term conditions, 
• who need support with their mental health, 
• who are lonely or isolated, 
• who have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing.

Take a look at our Special Edition Newsletter about Connect for Health for more information.

The Connect for Health programme aims to do just what it says! It will assist individuals to find non-clinical solutions to improve their own health and wellbeing. This can include referrals to organisations to assist or support them to connect with their local community. The service can connect individuals to social activities, clubs, groups, and like-minded individuals in their community. The programme does this by offering a private face to face discussion with a “Community Connector” to explore what matters to the individual.

The telephone numbers for referral to a Connect for Health Community Connector are as below: