The Future of Social Prescribing in England: Briefing

It provides a bridge between the NHS and the voluntary sector, ensuring more people can access non-medical support that benefits their health and wellbeing.1 Social prescribing in England Since the publication of the NHS Long Term plan in 2019, social prescribing has become an increasingly important part of our health system. [...] The cross-Government Green Social Prescribing programme and The National Academy for Social Prescribing’s Thriving Communities Fund have demonstrated the impact of social prescribing on individuals, communities and the health system. [...] For example, an evaluation of the social prescribing service in Shropshire showed a 40% reduction in GP appointments for people who had accessed social prescribing after three months.3 Social prescribing is good for the economy. [...] Establishing a world-class training and development programme for Social Prescribing Link Workers and social prescribing leaders working in the NHS and beyond. [...] The National Academy for Social Prescribing The National Academy for Social Prescribing was established as a charity in 2019 to champion social prescribing.