The impact of social prescribing

26th March marks Social Prescribing Day 2026, where health professionals will highlight the important role social prescribing plays in improving wellbeing by connecting people with practical support in their communities.

Introduced into the National Health Service in 2019, social prescribing supports people to access help beyond traditional medical care. Social Prescribing Link Workers focus on the whole person, addressing the social, emotional and practical factors that affect wellbeing while helping reduce pressure on NHS services.

Public Voice's Social Prescribing Link Workers and Health and Wellbeing Coaches are a key part of Primary Care Networks (PCNs), helping individuals take a more holistic approach to their health.

A Personalised Approach Case Study

To celebrate Social Prescribing Day, Public Voice spoke with one of their Social Prescribers about someone they recently supported. This story demonstrates how connecting people with the right support at the right time can improve wellbeing, strengthen communities and transform lives.

The client, a woman in her 60s living with both physical and mental health conditions, was struggling with daily tasks due to mobility issues and felt isolated living far from her family.

When she met Social Prescriber Kate Butler, she shared her wish to move closer to her family. Kate supported her with practical steps while the housing process progressed, including referring her for an occupational therapy assessment, researching relocation support services and accompanying her to a Blue Badge appointment due to her anxiety about attending alone.

As delays in the housing process affected the client’s mood, Kate worked with housing services and GP practice staff to strengthen her relocation request with medical evidence. She also helped the client’s focus on her wellbeing during the waiting period by encouraging her to attend sessions at a local Mind centre and engage in wellbeing activities.

The client has now been successfully allocated a property in her preferred area, allowing her to move closer to her family. She was also signposted to organisations offering practical and financial support with the move.

Feedback about Tara, a Social Prescriber

Tara Sujendran, a Social Prescribers, has been widely recognised by colleagues at the GP practice she works at. Staff describe her as “nothing but a joy to work with”, praising her commitment to supporting both patients and the clinical team with complex social issues.

With many patients returning for support and others waiting to be seen, demand for social prescribing continues to grow, and Social Prescribing Day highlights the importance of this work.