ABSTRACT
Social prescribing is a practical response to a simple reality. Many people, especially those with limited education or social networks, do not know how to seek help with the problems they face other than visiting their GP. Poor clinical outcomes can be prevented through non-clinical interventions, like those to reduce debt, social isolation and helplessness and this stops social problems being pathologised.
This chapter explores further:
What social prescribing is and who it is for.
Examples of the difference it can make to people’s lives and how it relates to other types of support for people to find the help they need.
Accessing key contacts who can help make use of and/or develop social prescribing in practices and locality through networks that are developing now with the support of NHSE funding as part of the NHS plan.
