Social
Prescribing
Connecting people to community groups and statutory services
What is Social Prescribing?
Imagine a kind of support that doesn’t come in the form of medicine, treatment, or a prescription, but instead helps you connect with the people, activities, and services around you that can transform your health and wellbeing. That’s the power of social prescribing — a way to improve your life by engaging with your community and discovering the opportunities that matter most to you.
Social prescribing improves health and wellbeing by connecting individuals to local networks, activities, and services, promoting greater community involvement.
- Takes a holistic approach, considering social, economic, and environmental factors.
- Helps address practical, social, and emotional needs without relying on medication.
- Free and confidential support for building connections and improving quality of life.

We deliver the Social Prescribing service across Birmingham and Solihull in partnership with SDSmyhealthcare and its Primary Care Networks (PCNs). Working with 11 PCNs and nearly 70 GP practices, we are the largest provider of NHS Social Prescribers in the West Midlands. Social Prescribers are based in GP surgeries, where they offer one-to-one support—either face-to-face or by phone—helping patients take control of their health and wellbeing and connect with their local community.
Who Can Benefit from Social Prescribing?

Struggling with finances, housing, or employment?
Financial difficulties, insecure housing, or unemployment can create stress and make it harder to focus on other areas of your wellbeing. These challenges can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for help.

Feeling lonely, isolated, or experiencing a low mood?
Loneliness and isolation can have a significant impact on your mental health. Feeling disconnected from others or experiencing a prolonged low mood can affect your ability to engage with day-to-day life and create a sense of helplessness.

Managing a new or ongoing health condition?
Dealing with a new diagnosis or managing a long-term health condition can bring about uncertainty and stress. You might find it difficult to adjust to the impact it has on your daily life, relationships, and overall mental and physical wellbeing.

Facing life changes, such as bereavement, job loss, or a relationship breakdown?
Major life changes such as the loss of a loved one, job loss, or a relationship breakdown can disrupt your sense of stability and identity, leaving you in need of support to process your emotions and find a way forward.

Looking to get more active or involved in your community?
If you’re looking to make positive changes by becoming more active or involved with your local community, you might feel uncertain about where to start or how to connect with others who share your interests.
What Can Social Prescribing Offer?
Social prescribing connects you to a wide variety of community-based activities and services designed to improve your overall wellbeing and help you thrive. Here’s what social prescribing can offer:
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Health and Wellbeing
Engage in activities that support your physical and mental health, such as yoga, walking groups, gardening, or creative workshops. These activities help reduce stress, boost mood, and improve overall fitness.
Support Services
Access vital support for issues such as caring responsibilities, bereavement, domestic abuse, or relationship difficulties. Social prescribing connects you to services that offer emotional support and practical assistance tailored to your needs.
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Advice and Guidance
Get expert advice on financial matters, housing support, or employment resources. Whether you need help with budgeting, finding housing, or job searching, social prescribing can direct you to resources that provide essential guidance.
Social and Volunteering Opportunities
Build social connections and gain valuable experience through volunteering, befriending groups, or peer support activities. These opportunities help you expand your social network and develop new skills, all while contributing to your community.
How does Social Prescribing work?

1.Referral
The process begins when a healthcare professional, such as a GP, nurse, or social worker, identifies that a patient’s health concerns may be influenced by social, economic, or environmental factors. Recognising that medical treatment alone may not address these issues, the professional refers the individual to a social prescriber. In some instances, individuals can also self-refer to access these services.

2.Connect
Once referred, the social prescriber conducts a thorough assessment to understand the individual’s circumstances, needs, and goals. This person-centred approach ensures that the support provided aligns with what matters most to the individual. The social prescriber then connects the individual to relevant community-based activities, groups, or services, such as exercise classes, creative workshops, or peer support groups.

3. Support
The social prescriber continues to offer guidance and support as the individual engages with these community resources. This ongoing support ensures the individual can integrate these activities into their daily routine, improving their wellbeing. The social prescriber may also monitor progress and adjust the support plan as needed, ensuring the individual remains connected to the right resources for sustained improvement in their health and wellbeing.
Hear from Those We’ve Helped
Social prescribing has transformed lives by connecting individuals to the support and activities they need. Here’s what some of our clients have to say:


Read the latest client story here:
Social Prescribing case study: changing circumstances
Every so often, we highlight case studies from our Social Prescribing Link Workers. Our Link Workers work with GPs across Birmingham and Solihull to provide social and...