By Charlotte Webster-
Social prescribing helps improve mental health by connecting people to community services, reducing pressure on GPs and overprescribing
This is in addition to funding supporting 36 other projects helping at least 10,000 people.
Mental health affects one in four people, with its symptoms varying widely across the spectrum of those affected by it.
Stress, sorrow, feelings of rejection, low self abuse stemming from bullying and domestic violence, are amongst the different forms of mental health issues that affect people.
The Department of Health And Social Care said thousands of people will continue to access innovative types of mental health support, proven to improve healthy living, reduce overprescribing and save capacity for GPs, following £3.6 million of government funding for the National Academy of Social Prescribing (NASP).
Social prescribing can help those experiencing grief, addiction, dementia and loneliness through a wide range of community-led social activities, services and opportunities that have proven benefits to people’s health and wellbeing.
This could include gardening clubs for people to socialise and learn new skills, new exercise classes to build confidence and become healthier, as well as financial advice for people with money worries, among many other initiatives.
The grant will support NASP to build on its previous successes such as the Thriving Communities Fund, which has established 36 projects helping more than 10,000 people and championed local community and voluntary groups.
It has also introduced an academic collaboration to develop a robust evidence base for social prescribing and the benefits it can bring to the nation’s health. It will continue to build innovative partnerships between the health system and the voluntary sector to ensure that social prescribing reaches those most in need.
With Christmas approaching and many people feeling the negative impacts of loneliness over the festive period, social prescribing provides people with the tools to help manage their mental health and meet others in their community.
Minister of State for Care Helen Whatley said:
“Social prescribing is an unsung hero in getting thousands of people the support they need to get through hard times – whether it be low self-esteem, dementia or loneliness.
“I’m really pleased that we’ve agreed new funding for the National Academy of Social Prescribing, so it can continue the valuable work it does day in and day out to support the health of the country.”
Mental Health Minister Maria Caulfield said:
“With many people struggling with their mental health and loneliness, particularly over the festive period, social prescribing offers a proven innovative approach to support their wellbeing.
“Mental health is a priority and it’s vital people have access to the tools and support they need – this funding will provide much-needed help to people with a wide range of needs, as well as easing pressure on GPs and freeing up appointments.”
In 2019, the government set out a manifesto commitment to extend social prescribing and expand the NASP.
Examples of the opportunities which could be bolstered by the funding include:
Supporting NASP to continue driving forward the recommendations from the Power of Music report, using musical activities to help people with dementia.
The delivery of Social Prescribing Day 2024 internationally, bringing together people across local, national and global platforms to share learning and promote successes within social prescribing.
The creation of products – such as podcasts – to showcase the benefits of a connected social prescribing system; launching new social prescribing evidence reviews, which will be published in spring.
Professor Dame Helen Stokes-Lampard, Chair of the National Academy for Social Prescribing, said:
“We are delighted to have continued support from the Department for Health and Social Care, in recognition of the positive impact that social prescribing is having on the health and wellbeing of our communities. As a frontline GP, I know that if someone comes to me because they are lonely or isolated, social prescribing is likely to be the best support I can offer.
“I’m incredibly proud of what NASP has achieved since it’s conception. Over the last couple of years, despite the limitations of the pandemic, we have funded remarkable social prescribing projects, published compelling evidence summaries and have signed up 25 countries to develop social prescribing services across the world. With this funding, we are thrilled to be able to continue this work to achieve our ultimate goal: to help people live the best lives they can.”
Minister for Loneliness Stuart Andrew said:
“The festive period can be a particularly lonely time for many people given the greater emphasis on spending time with friends and family.
“Through social prescribing healthcare professionals are able to connect those in need to a range of community-led services, helping to improve mental wellbeing, build networks and reduce loneliness.
“This additional £3.6 million funding for the National Academy of Social Prescribing will provide an even greater level of support for those who need it most.”
James Sanderson, Director for Personalised Care and Community Services at NHS England, said:
“Giving people more choice and control over their own health and care was an important part of the NHS Long Term Plan, and we have already far exceeded our ambitions, providing personalised care including social prescriptions to millions of people.
“This funding should put even more options and evidence into the hands of local NHS teams, to help them better support the record number of people experiencing mental health issues since the start of the pandemic.”