What is Social Prescribing?

Social Prescribing connects you to local services to improve your physical health and wellbeing

Social Prescribing is when health professionals refer patients to support in the community, in order to improve their health and wellbeing. The concept has gained support in the NHS organisations of the UK.

The goals of Social Prescribing are to reduce the rise of healthcare costs and to ease the pressure on GP clinics. A 2015 Commission in the UK estimated that about 20% of patient consultations were for social problems rather than medical problems. 

At times, we feel “unwell”, “out of sorts” or “below par” and a medical prescription is not always the answer. Sometimes, what we are lacking is company, interests or a change of scene to make us feel more connected and motivated. Or perhaps we need counselling or more exercise to keep our bodies strong and our minds stimulated.Our health and wellbeing starts with taking care of ourselves, and organisations like hArt are here to help you find what works best for you.

Various members of the Coda team have attended conferences about Social Prescribing and what is happening both in the UK and internationally. We are looking forward to supporting this initiative in the Hampshire and Dorset areas and are working with various organisations to see how we can help to open up more opportunities as soon as possible. Link workers will be available in GP surgeries to talk to you and help you to find the groups and activities that would work best for you.

Contact Coda Music & Arts Trust for more information at contact@coda.org.uk