A prescription for fresh air and green space
The NHS has committed to a having team of 1,000 social prescribing professionals to support mental health – the largest investment anywhere by a national health system
Gardening is good for you, we knew that already, but now this simple but powerful fact is being acknowledged by health professionals who are adopting social prescribing as part of the latest NHS Long-Term Plan, published in January 2019.
But what is the connection between social prescribing and gardening? The NHS commitment to social prescribing gives GPs, and other referrers, a way to help people connect to activities in their local communities including gardening.
This means that over the next few years, millions of people could discover the joy of getting outdoors to grow, joining gardening groups to find new friends, learn new skills and benefit from the healing effects of nature.
Social prescribing and long-term NHS policy
The 2019 NHS Long Term Plan for England committed to five major, practical changes to the way services work together, over the next five years. This includes a commitment to people getting 'more control over their own health and more personalised care when they need it'.The NHS promises at least 1,000 trained social prescribing link workers in general practice networks (known as ‘primary care networks’) by 2020/21, with more beyond that, so that at least 900,000 people can be referred to social prescribing by 2023/24. This is the largest investment in social prescribing made anywhere by a national health system.'This is the largest investment in social prescribing made anywhere by a national health system'
How does social prescribing work?
Social prescribing is more than good advice or a suggestion that somebody might benefit from getting out into the garden, joining a choir or taking up exercise. A key part of the strategy is the provision of link workers who are employed to give people time.The GP's surgery is often a place people go to when they don’t know where else to turn. Approximently 20% of people visit their GPs for what is primarily a social rather than a health problem. And this is where social prescribing link workers can make a difference, by taking referrals from GPs and other care professionals.
Social prescribing link workers have the time and space to work alongside people often with complex needs and difficult life circumstances. They can help people who may become isolated, providing time and relationships that are critical to building confidence and reconnecting.'It is estimated that 20% of people visit their GPs for what is primarily a social rather than a health problem'
