Social prescribing is about recognising that health is impacted by social, economic and environmental factors too. It aims to look at the bigger picture and support people to take greater control of their own health and address their needs in different ways. There are two elements of social prescribing , the link workers and the voluntary and community resources they “refer” into.
Currently in Walsall there are three main ways in which social prescribing link working is delivered. This is in whg housing association, primary care and making connections at Walsall Council. There are two new approaches in development, in public health and as part of family hubs.
The schemes that social prescribing link workers refer into can involve a variety of activities which are typically provided by voluntary and community sector organisations. Examples include volunteering, arts activities, group learning, gardening, befriending, cookery, healthy eating advice and a range of sports.
As a partnership we are looking at ways we can increase the range and access by linking social prescribers to a growing number of community organisations and groups across Walsall who deliver wellbeing services.
