Linking Leeds Social Prescribing

Social prescribing is a holistic approach used in the UK healthcare system to support individuals with non-medical needs that affect their health and wellbeing.

Instead of offering medication or clinical treatment alone, healthcare professionals refer people to social prescribing, which helps them access community-based services and activities tailored to their personal goals and challenges. These services might include:

∙ Arts and crafts groups

∙ Gardening or walking clubs

∙ Debt advice or housing support

∙ Volunteering opportunities

∙ Mental health peer support

The aim is to improve overall wellbeing by addressing social, emotional, and practical needs, especially for people who are:

∙ Living with long-term conditions

∙ Experiencing loneliness or isolation

∙ Facing low-level mental health issues

∙ Dealing with complex social challenges

Social prescribing is a key part of the NHS’s Universal Personalised Care strategy and is designed to reduce pressure on clinical services while improving outcomes through community connection and empowerment.