Definitions
There is currently no internationally agreed definition of social prescribing.5
The World Health Organization says it is “a means of connecting patients to a range of non-clinical services in the community to improve their health and well-being. It builds on the evidence that addressing social determinants of health such as socioeconomic status, social inclusion, housing, and education is key to improving health outcomes.”6
The National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) says social prescribing is:7· - practical and emotional support;
· - helping people live the best lives they can;
· - taking pressure off the NHS;
· - tackling health inequalities;
· - the glue that links voluntary organisations with people who need their help;
· - backed by research
The Social Prescribing Network regards social prescribing as “a means of enabling professionals (often healthcare practitioners) to refer people to non-clinical services to support their health and wellbeing.”8
A key component is the workforce of social prescribing link workers “who are specially trained to support people in identifying what matters to them and designing their own personalised solutions to help with social, emotional or practical needs to improve their health and wellbeing.”